2026 NFL Draft Profile: LB Arvell Reese (OSU)
Arvell Reese is the prototype for the “SAM” linebacker role in Kelvin Sheppard’s defense—a player who can play on the line of scrimmage, set the edge against the run, and rush the passer
BIO & BACKGROUND
Arvell Reese is a product of Cleveland’s Glenville High School, a legendary program under head coach Ted Ginn Sr. that has served as a pipeline to Ohio State (producing stars like Marshon Lattimore and Cardale Jones). A consensus four-star recruit and the Division IV Defensive Player of the Year, Reese anchored a state championship defense in 2022 that did not allow a single point in six league games.
He chose the Buckeyes over offers from Alabama and Penn State, arriving in Columbus with raw athleticism but a need for technical refinement.After a quiet freshman campaign in 2023 spent primarily on special teams, Reese broke into the rotation in 2024, logging 322 snaps and 43 tackles during Ohio State’s national championship run. However, the 2025 season marked his true arrival.
Playing under Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia (the former Detroit Lions head coach), Reese transitioned into a hybrid “OTTO” role—a position Patricia utilized in New England to describe a linebacker who can set the edge, blitz, or drop into coverage. This versatility unlocked Reese’s potential, allowing him to pair with Sonny Styles to form arguably the most athletic linebacker duo in college football. Despite not turning 21 until late August 2026, Reese has cemented himself as a “blue-chip” prospect with the physical tools to anchor an NFL defense for a decade.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION 2025
Reese’s 2025 campaign was a masterclass in versatility. Utilized as a chess piece across the front seven, his statistical production reflected his ability to disrupt plays from multiple alignments.
Total Tackles: 69 (34 Solo)
Tackles for Loss: 10.0
Sacks: 6.5
Quarterback Hurries: 5
Passes Broken Up: 2
While the raw numbers are impressive, they don’t fully capture his “gravity” on the field. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF) tracking, Reese played significant snaps at defensive end, inside linebacker, and slot defender (premium PFF member link).
His impact peaked in high-leverage situations; notably, his ability to convert speed to power as a pass rusher forced opposing offenses to slide protection his way, freeing up teammates for one-on-one matchups.
SCOUTING REPORT
STRENGTHS
Elite Physical Profile: Stands 6’4” and 243 pounds with exceptional length and the frame to add mass without losing his 4.52-speed.
Closing Burst: Possesses a “quick trigger” and explosive acceleration to close on ball carriers or quarterbacks; consistently beats pullers to the spot.
Versatility (The “OTTO” Role): Proven ability to function as an edge rusher, off-ball linebacker, and slot defender. Looks comfortable rushing from a two-point stance or dropping into zone.
Violent Hands: uses his length and strength to “stack and shed” blockers at the point of attack; drives offensive linemen backward into running lanes.
Tackling Radius: Long arms allow him to wrap up ball carriers outside his frame, minimizing broken tackles in space.
DEVELOPING AREAS (Growth Opportunities)
Gap Integrity: Can be overly aggressive in filling gaps, occasionally losing contain on bootlegs or cutback lanes.
Man Coverage Agility: Struggles to mirror elite “shifty” slot receivers in tight man coverage; lacks elite short-area quickness.
Play-Action Discipline: Tendency to bite hard on run fakes, leaving the middle of the field exposed to crossers behind him.
Zone Awareness: Occasionally “covers grass” rather than feeling routes developing behind him; needs to improve his peripheral vision in zone drops.
DETROIT LIONS COMPATIBILITY: SCHEME & FIT
Arvell Reese is the prototype for the “SAM” linebacker role in Kelvin Sheppard’s defense—a player who can play on the line of scrimmage, set the edge against the run, and rush the passer. His experience under Matt Patricia at Ohio State is a significant “green flag” for the Lions’ front office; despite Patricia’s rocky tenure in Detroit, his defensive concepts share DNA with the multiple-front looks Detroit employs under Sheppard. Reese allows the Lions to disguise their pressures effectively; he can show blitz and drop, or align wide and crash down, mirroring the usage of players like Andrew Van Ginkel or a younger Jamie Collins.
Culture & Identity: Reese fits the “Dan Campbell Criteria” perfectly. He is violent, explosive, and hails from the “GRIT” factory of Glenville High School. His willingness to play special teams early in his career and his reputation as a “high-effort” player align with the Lions’ “No Turds” policy. He plays with a level of physicality that borders on reckless, a trait that endears defenders to the Detroit coaching staff.
FILM STUDY
The way Reese takes fights with leverage, using his length to control offensive linemen is impressive. Whether he lines up wide, uses pre-snap movement to get outside the tackle, or inside linebacker—Reese is making offensive linemen and QB’s pay a heavy tax. I see the Micah Parsons aggressive and fast style.
ANALYSIS & QUOTES
The “No. 1 Pick” Buzz: “It doesn’t take much imagination to argue he’s the safest player in the entire class and absolutely worth the No. 1 pick... He has drawn comparisons to Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter for his freakish athleticism.” — CBS Sports NFL Draft Analysis
The Coaching Perspective: “He has made tremendous improvements since he’s arrived here... tremendous physical tools... you don’t blink when he goes in.” — Ryan Day, Ohio State Head Coach
On His Development: “Get out of the way of the talent, let the players play... I want our guys to play fast and aggressive.” — Matt Patricia, Ohio State Defensive Coordinator (via FOX Sports)
The Comparison: “Reese reminds me a lot of... Edgerrin Cooper. Cooper had a fantastic rookie season for Green Bay... Reese’s athleticism and versatility combination make him such an alluring NFL prospect.” — Pro Football Focus (PFF)
NFL DRAFT PROJECTION
Measurables:
Height: 6’4” | Weight: 243 lbs | Arm Length: 34.25” | Hands: 9.63”
40-Yard Dash (Est): 4.52s (ESTIMATED)
Round Projection: Top 15 Pick / 1st Round
NFL Comparison: Micah Parsons / Andrew Van Ginkel / Jamie Collins
Rationale: Like Parsons, Reese is an off-ball linebacker who creates his most value rushing the passer. While he may not have Parsons’ elite bend or speed, he does possess better instincts & play recognition than Parsons, which can make up for the .15 seconds of speed time. His downhill power and versatility mirror the role of a prime Collins in New England. Collins utilized quick feet and the ability to redirect instantly shedding blockers to fill gaps. The Van Ginkel sized motor and high effort when attacking is what can set Arvell apart in this draft class. Arvell is composed of multiple key traits that will give him opportunity to be one of the best in this league.
Team Fits:
Detroit Lions: A perfect versatile piece to pair with Jack Campbell.
Dallas Cowboys: Looking for a long-term partner/successor in the LB room.
FINAL TAKE
Arvell Reese is not a “project”—he is a weapon. In a league that increasingly values “positionless” defenders who can stay on the field for all three downs, Reese checks every box. He offers the floor of a starting SAM linebacker who sets a hard edge and the ceiling of a double-digit sack artist who wreaks havoc from the A-gap to the wide-9. While his coverage instincts against elite tight ends will need refinement, his ability to eliminate run angles and collapse the pocket makes him a high-floor prospect. For a team like the Lions, drafting Reese isn’t just about filling a need; it’s about acquiring a defensive identity setter who brings violence and versatility to the front seven immediately.
Way To Early Prediction:
Reese may be the 2nd to 5th overall ranked player on many big boards right now, but that does not mean he will go #2 or #5 overall. In fact it means nothing at all. It’s January 5th, the draft big boards will reset 100x between now and April 24th. The biggest unknown is how many QB’s and offensive linemen will be taken in the top 15. Most NFL Draft big boards have 2-3 offensive linemen, and 2 QB’s off the board. Which means the Lions will have their shot at multiple high end defensive players in the 1st round, one of whom could be Arvell Reese should Brad Holmes move up to the top 12.
Brad Holmes trades 2026 1st and 2027 future 2nd round picks to move up to pick #12 in the 1st round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select, Arvell Reese.
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Solid scouting report on Reese. The OTTO role comp to what Patricia ran in New England is really intresting here because that versatility is exactly what modern defenses need. What caught my attention was the "gravity" angle you mentioned, where he forces protectin slides even when he's not gettin home himself. I saw similar effects watching edge rushers in college a few yrs ago, that ability to affect blocking schemes is almost more valueable than raw sack numbers.