Top NFL draft prospect Reese: 'I'm an outside linebacker/edge' - ESPN

ESPN

by Mike Reiss

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Ohio State’s Arvell Reese has made it clear he sees himself as an outside linebacker/edge rusher rather than an off-the-ball linebacker in the NFL. During media interviews at the NFL combine, Reese emphasized his desire to focus on pass rushing and edge setting, stating he hasn’t yet tapped into his full potential in this area. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 243 pounds, Reese is projected as a top-five draft pick after recording 69 tackles and 6.5 sacks last season. His position versatility and athleticism have already caught the attention of multiple teams, including the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, and Cleveland Browns. Reese has met with several teams during the pre-draft process, with the Jets notably installing a defensive package to evaluate his mental responses. He also highlighted the influence of Ohio State’s defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and linebackers coach James Laurinaitis in preparing him for the NFL. Patricia compared Reese to former NFL linebacker Jamie Collins due to their similar versatility, which has further solidified his draft stock. In ESPN’s latest mock draft, Reese was projected to go No. 4 to the Tennessee Titans by Mel Kiper Jr. While Reese acknowledged he needs to add more weight to compete at the NFL level, he demonstrated his ability to set the edge against the run in college. His pass-rush approach combines speed and power, making him a valuable asset for teams seeking a dynamic edge defender. As one of the most versatile and athletic prospects in the 2026 draft class, Reese’s position declaration and potential role as an outside linebacker/edge rusher have sparked significant interest among NFL scouts and fans alike. This matters to sports enthusiasts because Reese’s unique skill set and versatility make him a rare commodity in today’s NFL, where hybrid edge defenders are highly valued. His ability to contribute both as a pass rusher and run defender positions him as one of the most impactful players available in the draft. With teams like the Jets, Cardinals,

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/25/2026