Arvell Reese NFL Draft Scouting Report

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ohio State LB/EDGE Arvell Reese

Arvell Reese is the most physically imposing linebacker in the 2026 NFL Draft class — a violent, explosive hybrid defender with the size and versatility to line up as both a stand-up edge or off-ball linebacker. At 6’4”, 243 pounds, Reese carries a chiseled frame with elite proportional length and lower-body power. His strength, explosiveness, and violent point-of-attack control make him one of the most disruptive defenders in college football and a legitimate candidate for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Reese has quickly ascended from a rotational player to the centerpiece of Ohio State’s front seven, thriving under defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, whose multiple-front NFL scheme has unlocked Reese’s full skill set. He blends EDGE-like power with linebacker range — winning downhill, off the edge, or in pursuit — and brings a competitive, tone-setting mentality that elevates the entire defense.

Film Summary

Reese’s film jumps off the screen for his explosiveness, length, and physical temperament. He plays with elite leverage, violently stacking and shedding blockers with a combination of natural strength and refined hand use. Against the run, he dominates gaps with power and balance, consistently resetting the line of scrimmage. In space, he closes with rare acceleration and finishes with force, using his length to expand his tackle radius.

As a pass rusher, Reese is already advanced. He converts speed to power effortlessly, collapsing tackles with bull rushes, long arms, and snatch-rip counters. He shows the athletic ability to bend through contact and corner efficiently — a trait rarely found in defenders over 240 pounds. His versatility allows him to rush off either edge, execute stunts and blitzes, or drop into short zones with awareness. Simply put, Reese profiles as a defensive weapon capable of impacting every phase of the game.

Ideal Scheme Fit

Multiple Front / Hybrid Defense — best suited for 3-4 or 4-2-5 systems that maximize versatile second-level athletes. Fits perfectly in modern NFL defenses (e.g., Cowboys, Jets, Lions) that deploy interchangeable front-seven pieces who can blitz, set the edge, or roam as space disruptors.

Key Strengths (Film-Based Traits)

• Elite physical tools: NFL-ready frame with length, power, and twitch. Explosive first step with devastating closing burst.

• Run-defense dominance: Anchors with leverage and strength, consistently resets the line, and sheds blockers cleanly.

• Pass-rush upside: High-level bull rush, effective long-arm, and developing dip-rip combo. Generates rare power through contact.

• Range and pursuit: Accelerates rapidly to the ball; excellent lateral pursuit and finish as a tackler.

• Versatility and IQ: Comfortable in multiple alignments; can rush the passer, spy QBs, or drop into zone coverage.

• Motor and effort: Relentless from snap to whistle, with elite play endurance and finish ability.

  
  

Developmental Areas (Growth Opportunities)

• Coverage discipline: Needs to improve depth recognition and eye discipline in zone; can cover grass instead of landmarks.

• Change-of-direction fluidity: Slight stiffness limits recovery against shifty backs or crossers in man coverage.

• Block engagement angles: Occasionally takes on blocks square, giving up leverage and losing gap integrity.

Grade and Projection Summary

• Football Scout 365 Grade: Elite Tier Prospect

• A dominant, alignment-versatile linebacker/EDGE hybrid with generational power, explosiveness, and range. Projects as an immediate impact starter with All-Pro potential in multiple NFL defensive fronts.

• Ceiling Grade: Generational / Defensive Cornerstone. With refined coverage discipline and continued growth in pass-rush counters, Reese has the physical and mental traits to develop into a perennial Defensive Player of the Year contender and tone-setter for an NFL defense.

• NFL Draft Projection: Top 5 Pick

• Pro Comparison: Micah Parsons / Edgerrin Cooper / Jaylen Walker hybrid — a rangy, explosive two-phase defender who blends Parsons’ disruptive burst, Cooper’s coverage range, and Walker’s physicality at the point of attack.

  
  

Final Analysis

Arvell Reese is the prototype modern front-seven defender — a hybrid linebacker with elite explosiveness, power, and versatility. His ability to play multiple roles within a defensive front makes him one of the most valuable defensive prospects in recent memory. Reese’s combination of strength, range, and pass-rush upside makes him capable of redefining a defense’s identity the moment he steps on an NFL field.

While his coverage fluidity and spatial discipline are still developing, Reese’s traits, motor, and violent play style make him the kind of defensive cornerstone teams build around. He’s a top-five lock and a legitimate contender for first overall selection depending on team needs and draft order.