What position does Arvell Reese play for the Giants?

Reese is a hybrid linebacker who lines up primarily as an off-ball linebacker but can also play on the edge in certain defensive packages.

Where was Arvell Reese drafted?

The Giants selected Reese with the No. 5 overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft out of Ohio State.

How much money did Arvell Reese sign for with the Giants?

Reese signed a four-year rookie contract worth $47.8 million, including $31.2 million guaranteed at signing.

How did Arvell Reese perform in his NFL debut?

Reese recorded five solo tackles, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit in the Giants' 28-20 Week 1 win over the Cowboys.

What college did Arvell Reese play for?

Reese played linebacker at Ohio State from 2023-2025, winning a national championship in 2024 and Big Ten Linebacker of the Year in 2025.

Arvell Reese

Linebacker · Rookie season

Updated 9 hours ago

Height: 6-4
Weight: 243
Age: 21
College: Ohio State
Drafted: 2026 · R1 P5
Exp: R

Overview

Arvell Reese recorded five solo tackles, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit in his NFL debut, the Giants' 28-20 Week 1 win over Dallas. The Giants selected Reese fifth overall out of Ohio State in the 2026 draft and signed him to a four-year contract worth $47.8 million, including $31.2 million guaranteed.

Reese won a national championship with Ohio State in 2024 and was named Big Ten Linebacker of the Year and a consensus All-American in 2025, finishing his college career with 112 tackles, 60 assists and 13.5 sacks. At 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, he ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash before the draft.

New York projects Reese as a hybrid linebacker who lines up primarily off the ball but can move to the edge in certain packages, a scheme defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson has said is designed to create matchup problems.

Our coverage · 6 stories

Report
Giants' Dennard Wilson Says Coaches Take 'Full Responsibility' for Pass Rush
Oct 1, 2026Oct 1 · Upd. Oct 1, 10:32 p.m. · 2 min read
Analysis
Giants Have the NFL's Lowest Pressure Rate, and Brian Burns Had 5 of Their 11 Pressures
Oct 1, 2026Oct 1 · Upd. Oct 1, 10:32 p.m. · 5 min read
Report
Harbaugh Thinks Andrew Thomas Will Be Fine, Calls Tyrone Tracy Jr. Day-to-Day After Both Miss Practice
Sep 30, 2026Sep 30 · Upd. Sep 30, 8:19 p.m. · 2 min read
Analysis
Giants Film Review: No Red-Zone Touchdowns, No Defensive Sacks in 12-7 Win Over Titans
Sep 28, 2026Sep 28 · 6 min read

All 6 stories →

Frequently asked

What position does Arvell Reese play for the Giants?: Reese is a hybrid linebacker who lines up primarily as an off-ball linebacker but can also play on the edge in certain defensive packages.
Where was Arvell Reese drafted?: The Giants selected Reese with the No. 5 overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft out of Ohio State.
How much money did Arvell Reese sign for with the Giants?: Reese signed a four-year rookie contract worth $47.8 million, including $31.2 million guaranteed at signing.
How did Arvell Reese perform in his NFL debut?: Reese recorded five solo tackles, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit in the Giants' 28-20 Week 1 win over the Cowboys.
What college did Arvell Reese play for?: Reese played linebacker at Ohio State from 2023-2025, winning a national championship in 2024 and Big Ten Linebacker of the Year in 2025.

Also at linebacker:Abdul Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Micah McFadden, Zaire Barnes, Jack Kelly