There have been tons of discussions about what position Arvell Reese should play at the NFL level.
But the top prospect from Ohio State made his feelings known about where he would like to play moving forward.
“Teams have pretty much been asking me what I want to do, and see where my mind was at,” Reese said Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine. “I’ve been telling them I think I’m an outside linebacker/edge.
During his three seasons at Ohio State, Reese saw time both as an off-ball linebacker and an edge rusher. His versatility, along with the play on the field, has made Reese a potential top-five selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Reese, 20, plans to continue leaning into his flexibility to play multiple positions at the combine. He told reporters he plans to do both linebacker and edge rusher drills on Thursday. Reese also plans to run the 40-yard dash in Indianapolis.
Reese has a chance to be the ultimate chess piece on defense at the next level. The 6-4, 243-pounder could be used in a hybrid role with his rare gift of elite power and speed.
Reese was a consensus All-American and the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year after registering 69 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks for the Buckeyes. He admitted that he will need to get bigger to play outside linebacker/edge in the NFL. However, Reese displayed the ability to play both against the run and set the edge with what he calls “speed and power.”
“He projects best as an edge rusher at the next level,” NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said about Reese. “When he rushes off the edge, he flashes elite speed and bend.
“He lacks a polished rush plan, and there are times when he’s a little late off the snap. Overall, Reese reminds me a lot of 2025 first-round pick Jalon Walker.”
Although he wasn’t a full-time pass rusher, Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia used Reese on third-down blitz packages to confuse pass protectors. Reese is also an excellent tackler against the run.
Reese already has experience in an NFL defensive scheme, so that’s a plus. Patricia spent six years as the Patriots defensive coordinator (2012-17). He was the Lions coach for three seasons (2018-20). Reese says Patricia showed him tape of former linebacker Jamie Collins, played during his seven seasons in New England, because of their shared versatility.
“I felt like the defense that he came in with was great,” Reese said. “I loved it. The second that he came in with it and showed what it was going to be like and how we can switch different packages up, I loved it.”
Reese could go as high as No. 2 to the Jets, who had one of the worst defenses in the league last year. After registering a top-five defense in the previous three seasons, the Jets unit finished 25th in yards (355.6) and 31st in points (29.6) allowed per game in 2025.
Jets coach Aaron Glenn fired Steve Wilks following a Week 15 loss to the Jaguars. That eventually led to Brian Duker being hired as defensive coordinator this offseason and Glenn taking over as defensive playcaller.
The Jets were also the first team in NFL history to go an entire season without registering an interception. That, along with their defense finishing with the second fewest sacks in the league, played a vital role in the Jets finishing 3-14.
Reese said he has already met with the Jets, Cardinals (No. 3) and Browns (No. 6), among other teams. He enjoyed his meeting with the Jets and Reese said it would be amazing if he were the second overall pick.
“That meeting was a lot of install, to see where my head was at. I think that’s a serious organization. I respect the guys that I met with. I respect the room.”
