A new report adds to the recent speculation that the New York Giants really do plan on using first-round pick Arvell Reese as an inside linebacker and not on the edge.
To the surprise of many, Ohio State EDGE was not selected by the New York Jets with the No. 2 pick in last month’s NFL Draft. Even more stunning, he wasn’t taken in the next two picks either. Allowing, arguably, the most talented pass rushers in this year’s class to fall to the Giants at fifth overall.
When Big Blue used its pick at No. 5 on Reese, it set up a 2026 linebacker corps that could be terrifying. But it also created a log jam for the outside linebacker spots with Brian Burns, 2025 No. 1 pick Abdul Carter, and 2022 first-rounder Kayvon Thibodeaux. However, soon after he was drafted, Reese and the team suggested he might play on the inside.
Most assumed it was something they would just try on occasion and not be Reese’s permanent spot since he showed so much potential by posting 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks last season for OSU. However, according to NFL insider James Palmer, the Giants are serious, and so far, Reese has looked good at that position.
New York Giants falling in love with Arvell Reese’s versatility
Palmer noted that during mini-camp, coach John Harbaugh and the staff were impressed with how light on his feet and good at dropping in coverage Reese was. Furthermore, they loved how he didn’t miss any assignments and confirmed the high football IQ they felt he had during the draft process.
The NFL insider also noted that if Reese is on the edges, offenses can run plays away from him. Something they can’t do if he is lined up in the middle. This way, he can still be used in blitzes up the middle, but because he is so smart and athletic, he can also have an effect in the run game and in coverage.
The summer will really tell the story of where Reese ends up playing for the Giants. But as of now, the team seems to have a plan in place to get most of their talented linebacker core out on the field at the same time in 2026.
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