Giants Select Arvell Reese in 2026 NFL Draft

The New York Giants made a significant addition to their defense by selecting Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The move has been widely praised by analysts, who believe Reese will be a crucial component in improving the team’s performance.

Klatt Praises Reese’s Fit Against NFC East QBs

FOX Sports lead college football analyst Joel Klatt emphasized the strategic value of the pick, particularly in the context of the NFC East’s mobile quarterbacks. Klatt discussed this on ‘The Joel Klatt Show,’ highlighting the challenges posed by players like Jalen Hurts and Jayden Daniels.

Addressing Divisional Opponents

“Who do they see twice a year? They see Jalen Hurts, and they see Jayden Daniels,” Klatt stated. “Jalen Hurts specifically had the second most drop-backs that wound up being scrambles—20% of his drop-backs wound up being scrambles. Now you have a guy that can handle that and do it basically by himself. So, it is a great fit not just because he’s a great player, but also because of who they play.”

Giants' Defensive Struggles in 2025

Despite some success against Hurts in the 2025 season, with seven sacks and limited rushing yards allowed, the Giants’ defense overall struggled. They ranked in the bottom five in total defense, tied for 15th in sacks, and 28th in run-stop win rate.

Reese’s Versatility a Key Factor

Reese’s ability to play both edge rusher and off-ball linebacker is seen as a major advantage. Klatt, who ranked Reese third on his top-50 prospects big board, noted his athleticism and effectiveness as a spy against mobile quarterbacks.

“One of the ways he made a tremendous impact last year for Ohio State was as a spy because of the athleticism that he has,” Klatt said. “And it’s true, I mean his athleticism is off the charts. We saw it against Arch Manning, and we also saw it against Demond Williams Jr.”

Impactful Performance Against Demond Williams Jr.

Klatt referenced Reese’s performance against Demond Williams Jr., a notable scrambler, who was held to minus-28 rushing yards in a game where Ohio State recorded six sacks. While Reese didn’t register a sack in that game, his presence disrupted Williams’ rhythm.

New Coaching Staff and Future Outlook

The Giants finished the 2025 season with a 4-13 record, leading to the dismissal of head coach Brian Daboll and defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. The team subsequently hired veteran head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.

Analysts believe that Reese’s talent, combined with the leadership of the new coaching staff, has the potential to significantly improve the Giants’ defensive performance and competitiveness within the NFC East.