Where Ohio State's Arvell Reese could land in 2026 NFL Draft, latest mocks

Arvell Reese is almost an evaluation dream. At 6'4, 246 (pro day weight), the Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker fits the ideal frame of what NFL teams are looking for at linebacker. In the case of Reese, at either linebacker spot. His size and length get him into the top half of the draft conversation. His quick twitch and explosion are what make him intriguing at the top of the first round. 

Linebackers are rarely considered in the top 10. Due in part to the perception that pass rushers, defensive line and defensive backs are valued more in that range. However, a look at Reese vs the last couple linebackers to be drafted at or near the top 10 and the logic begins to become clear. Micah Parsons and Roquan Smith. Can Reese be either of those players in the NFL? The reason Reese could go in the top five is because Reese could be both of those players, in one man. 

Reese provides the benefit of starting him as an off-ball linebacker or even a 'Mike', with the intention of developing him into a threatening pass rusher. Reese could become a team's x-factor or their defense's anchor. He has the speed and quickness to beat blockers, but also the football IQ and toughness necessary to thrive as a three-down linebacker. 

Here's a look at where Reese is projected to land in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Arvell Reese NFL Draft projections

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr - No. 3 Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals weren't much better than the Jets in the sack department, tying for 28th with 30. Josh Sweat needs a running mate, and Reese has the instincts and burst to get home on the QB. Of course, Reese also played off-ball linebacker at Ohio State, and though he said during the Combine that he would be an NFL edge rusher, that sort of versatility is a big plus. He had 6.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss last season. 

The Ringer's Todd McShay - No. 2 New York Jets

At no. 2, the choices are straightforward: the polished edge (David Bailey) or the upside play (Reese). If you’re building for 2027 and beyond, you bet on traits. Reese—a linebacker convert at edge—offers rare tools (6-foot-4, 241 pounds, 4.46 40, 1.58 split) with flashes of power and burst, but he’s still raw. If he’s the pick, the Jets must have a clear, disciplined development plan in place.

NFL Network's Rhett Lewis - No. 2 New York Jets

The selection of Reese brings intoxicating potential to the Jets' defense, and a full-time transition to edge rusher could allow the freakishly athletic Buckeye to turn that potential into production.

ESPN's Peter Schrager - No. 3 Arizona Cardinals

As part of the loaded NFC West, Arizona has to face three of the NFL's best teams twice every season, and the defense was frankly not very good last year, allowing 28.7 points per game (29th). Reese fills a need in Arizona as a potentially elite pass rusher, and I've heard rave reviews on what he can bring off the field from coaches. With the changing of eras in Arizona, the Cards should be seeking out new cornerstone pieces like Reese this month. 

Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice - No. 2 New York Jets

After a midseason fire sale, the Jets desperately need needle movers on defense. Reese aligned around the front seven for Ohio State and was asked to impact the game in a variety of different roles. And boy did he.  Reese can play off the ball or on the edge, and his pass rush ability is just getting tapped into. Defenses, and the roles they ask players to fill, have become more varied in today’s NFL. Reese is a modern day weapon that every defensive play caller would love to get their hands on.

CBS Sports' Garrett Podell - No. 2 New York Jets

The Jets did a great job patching up their defense after their 2025 unit became the first in NFL history to not record an interception. Now, all they need is another dynamic edge rusher to pair with Will McDonald IV. Arvell Reese comes with the highest ceiling of all the edge rushers in this draft, and the rebuilding Jets happily add that potential with the second overall pick.

The Athletic's Dane Brugler Big Board ranking - No. 1 overall

Reese has the dynamic talent to play a variety of different linebacker or edge roles at a high level, although his ceiling as a pass rusher is his most valuable asset. It is hard to find versatile defenders with his caliber of explosive tools.

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