EAST RUTHERFORD - The New York Giants have selected Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with the No. 5 overall selection in the first round of the NFL Draft, the first pick of the John Harbaugh era.
The 6-foot-4, 243-pound Reese had been pegged to go No. 2 to the Jets since the Combine, but there was recent speculation that he could slide a few spots if the Jets' Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey went edge David Bailey of Texas Tech, which is exactly what they did.
With Reese on the board for the Giants, they could not pass on him. Sure, his projection may be as an edge player, selecting him might be overkill with Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux - even if Thibodeaux emerges as a trade chip - on the roster.
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses with his parents Gary Downs and Tanya Shorter Downs on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils receiver Jordyn Tyson poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Kadyn Proctor poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Colton Hood poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes receiver Carnell Tate poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes receiver Carnell Tate poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive back Mansoor Delane poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Detail view of shoes worn by LSU Tigers defensive back Mansoor Delane on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman poses with his parents Ken and Shannon Thieneman on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Miami Hurricanes lineman Francis Mauigoa poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Miami Hurricanes lineman Francis Mauigoa poses with his parents Fa’alialia and Telesia Mauigoa on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Detail view of shoes worn by Miami Hurricanes lineman Francis Mauigoa on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Makai Lemon poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive end Keldric Faulk poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images1 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses with his parents Gary Downs and Tanya Shorter Downs on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images1 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses with his parents Gary Downs and Tanya Shorter Downs on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images2 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images3 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images4 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images5 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images6 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images7 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils receiver Jordyn Tyson poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images8 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Kadyn Proctor poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images9 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images10 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Colton Hood poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images11 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes receiver Carnell Tate poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images12 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes receiver Carnell Tate poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images13 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive back Mansoor Delane poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images14 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Detail view of shoes worn by LSU Tigers defensive back Mansoor Delane on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images15 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images16 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman poses with his parents Ken and Shannon Thieneman on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images17 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images18 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Miami Hurricanes lineman Francis Mauigoa poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images19 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Miami Hurricanes lineman Francis Mauigoa poses with his parents Fa’alialia and Telesia Mauigoa on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images20 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Detail view of shoes worn by Miami Hurricanes lineman Francis Mauigoa on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images21 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Makai Lemon poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images22 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images23 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images24 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive end Keldric Faulk poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images25 / 25NFL Draft 2026 fashion, see the players' fits on red carpetApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesBut Reese has also stood out as an off-ball linebacker, and it's possible they wind up playing him there and just figuring out the best plan to make all of it work. Talent is talent.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Giants draft grade for selecting Arvell Reese in NFL Draft 2026