Arvell Reese Defines Himself as an ‘Edge Rusher’ Ahead of the NFL Draft
INDIANAPOLIS – Ohio State player Arvell Reese made his vision clear at the NFL Combine: he sees himself as an outside linebacker/edge rusher in the professional realm, rather than a traditional linebacker.Reese’s position is one of the most interesting questions heading into the 2026 NFL draft, as he is projected as a possible top-5 pick after recording 69 tackles and 6.5 sacks last season. He plans to participate in the 40-yard dash at the combine, as well as the drills for outside linebacker/edge and linebacker. In his latest mock draft, Reese, who is 6-foot-4 and weighs 243 pounds, is anticipated to be selected at number 4 by the Tennessee Titans. Reese, 20, revealed that he has already met with the New York Jets (number 2 pick), the Arizona Cardinals (number 3) and the Cleveland Browns (number 6), among others. In his meeting with the Jets, the coaches presented him with a defensive scheme to assess his mental response. Reese thanked Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and linebackers coach James Laurinaitis for preparing him for the NFL. He highlighted that Patricia, who previously was an assistant for the New England Patriots, showed him videos of former NFL linebacker Jamie Collins due to their similar versatility. Reese acknowledged that he will need to gain muscle mass as an outside linebacker/edge in the NFL, but felt that he demonstrated his ability to defend against the run in that position in college. He described his pass-rush approach as a combination of “speed and power”.Teams have been asking me what I want to do and where my mind is at. I’ve told them I think I’m an outside linebacker/edge. I haven’t even scratched the surface of what I can do as a pass rusher.
Arvell Reese
