Top 5 Ohio State LB Landing Positions

Arvell Reese has cemented himself as one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft and his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine has further cemented that status.

Working with the rushers in Indianapolis on Thursday, Ohio State posted an impressive 4.46-second 40-yard dash as well as a good 1.58-second split for the 10-yard dash. Reese also backed up those athleticism with 69 tackles and 6.5 sacks in his third season at Ohio State.

Now widely projected to be a top-five pick and possibly as high as No. 2 overall to the New York Jets, Reese is undoubtedly in the upper echelon of this draft class.

Here are five teams that could realistically target Reese in April.

Potential landing spots for Arvell Reese in the NFL Draft

#1-New York Jets

The Jets’ decision to trade Jermaine Johnson to the Tennessee Titans this week reshaped their draft expectations in a major way. This means that boosting passing speed is now very essential for the team.

With Fernando Mendoza expected to go No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, New York will have a pick from any remaining prospect at No. 2. That could open the door for Arvell Reese, whose ability to play as an off-ball linebacker and edge rusher gives the Jets schematic flexibility.

Reese has publicly stated that he prefers to line up on the edge at the next level, so he would be a natural choice to help fill the void alongside Will McDonald IV.

#2-Arizona Cardinals

If Arvell Reese gets past the New York Jets, the Arizona Cardinals will have a golden opportunity to take one of the top talents in the draft at No. 3.

Arizona has obvious holes on the roster on both offense and defense. This makes the MVP strategy very attractive. In this case, Reese’s strength and versatility would be difficult to ignore for them, although head coach Mike LaFleur may prefer to select a striker.

If the Cardinals are serious about turning things around after a 3-14 campaign, bolstering the defense seems like the clearest path forward. Adding a versatile pass rusher like Reese could be an immediate upgrade to a unit that desperately needs impactful playmakers.

#3 – Washington leaders

Washington’s leaders may find Arvell Reese too good to pass up if he moves up to the seventh pick. As they look to bolster their defensive line, Reece offers flexibility given he is able to contribute as a traditional striker and as an off-the-ball fullback.

With defensive-minded head coach Dan Quinn on board, and given his track record of developing combination defenders into impactful strikers, the leaders should strongly consider Rees if he somehow falls to No. 7.

#4 – New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints must start planning for the future without Cameron Jordan, and this draft provides the perfect opportunity. Arvell Reese would give the Saints a dynamic successor who can eventually take over as the face of their pass rush.

His athletic profile suggests he could contribute immediately, even though he is still only 20 years old. His positive status also makes him a potential long-term cornerstone in New Orleans.

#5 – New York Giants

After a disappointing year from their linebacker corps, the New York Giants should be drawn to the versatility of Arvil Reese. His ability to contribute as an off-the-ball defender and as an elite presence makes him a game-changer.

Lining up Reese alongside Abdul Carter would create a terrifying duo of elite athletes capable of overpowering offensive lines.