ARVELL REESE — NDW Scouting Report
NDW WAR ROOM | 2026 NFL DRAFT | ARVELL REESE · LB · OHIO STATE | #1 LB - ROUND 1 VALUE | PROJECTED Round 1, 2-7 | NDW WAR ROOM | 2026 NFL DRAFT |
NDW Scouting Report · LB · 2026 Draft Class
ARVELL
REESE
7.82
NDW Grade
#1 LB - ROUND 1 VALUE
Jersey
#8
School
OHIO STATE
Conference
BIG TEN
Hometown
Glenville, Georgia
DOB
AUG 3, 2005
Class
JUNIOR
Pro Projection
Off-Ball Linebacker (MIKE/WILL)
ARVELL REESE
// Career Highlights
112
Career Tackles
7
Career Sacks
Career INTs
36
Games
// 2026 NFL Combine Measurements
6041
Height
241
Weight (lbs)
32 1/2
Arm Length
9 1/2
Hand Size
79 1/2
Wingspan
Athletic Testing
4.46
40-Yd Dash
DNP
Vertical
DNP
Broad Jump
DNP
3-Cone
DNP
Shuttle
DNP
Bench Reps
MARCH 25
Pro Day
// Career Statistics
SeasonGTKLTFLSCKINTPBUFFQBH
2023
OHIO STATE
60000000
2024
OHIO STATE
16433.50.50000
2025
OHIO STATE
146910.06.50206
Career3611213.570206
// NDW Scouting Grades
Weighted Traits
7.82
× 0.85
+
Projection Avg
7.71
× 0.15
=
Final NDW Grade
7.82
Clear First-Round / Year 1 Starter
Measured ConvictionNDW Draft Conviction
Trait Profile
Instincts7.0Range8.5Coverage Ability7.5Tackling7.0Run Defense7.5Block Deconstruction8.5
Trait Grades
Instincts / Processing17.5%
7.0
Solid
Range / Athleticism15%
8.5
Elite
Coverage Ability15%
7.5
Above Avg
Tackling / Reliability15%
7.0
Solid
Run Defense / Fit Discipline10%
7.5
Above Avg
Block Deconstruction7.5%
8.5
Elite
Blitz / Pressure Value7.5%
9.0
Elite
Play Strength / Physicality7.5%
9.0
Elite
Versatility5%
8.5
Elite
Projection / Context Grades
Ceiling
8.5
Elite
Floor
7.0
Solid
Role Certainty
7.0
Solid
Scheme Versatility
8.5
Elite
Positional Value
7.5
Above Avg
Developmental Curve
7.0
Solid
Durability Confidence
8.5
Elite
// Strengths & Concerns
↑ Strengths
Possesses a rare combination of length, explosiveness, and fluid movement skills that allow him to cover ground efficiently from sideline to sideline
Plays with outstanding range and closing speed, consistently arriving at the football with urgency both downhill and in pursuit
Highly versatile defender capable of aligning at MIKE, WILL, or in pressure-oriented roles, giving defensive coordinators flexibility in deployment
Dangerous blitzer with natural timing and acceleration, able to attack gaps quickly and disrupt the backfield with force
Brings a physical, tone-setting presence on contact, striking with power as both a tackler and when engaging blocks
Uses his length and active hands effectively to stack, shed, and navigate through traffic at the second level
Shows the ability to trigger downhill and attack run fits with speed when his keys are clear, creating opportunities for negative plays
Fluid in space with the movement skills to carry backs and tight ends, offering real three-down value in coverage situations
Displays developing pass-rush ability with multiple concepts already in place, including speed-based entries and counters off initial rushes
Maintains strong play speed and effort throughout reps, consistently working to the football and finishing plays
Shows functional discipline within run fits and has the tools to develop into a reliable edge-setter when aligned on the perimeter
⚠ Concerns
Still developing his processing speed, which can lead to delayed reactions when diagnosing complex run concepts or misdirection
Can be influenced by post-snap eye manipulation, particularly against play-action and layered offensive designs
Overall play strength is still maturing, showing some inconsistencies when taking on and holding ground against stronger blockers
Needs to improve hand timing and consistency when engaging, as he can be late to initiate contact and lose leverage
Pass-rush plan is still developing, particularly when working through counters at the top of the rush
Zone awareness and route recognition remain areas for growth, especially in more complex coverage structures
Tackling consistency can fluctuate at times, particularly when arriving at speed in space
// Scheme Fit Matrix
★ Best Fit
Cover 1 ManTwo-High ShellMatch Zone / Pattern MatchZone BlitzSimulated PressureDB / Nickel BlitzOdd Front / 3-3-5Hybrid / MultipleNickel BaseDime / Sub-Package Heavy
Strong Fit
Cover 3 ZoneCover 4 / QuartersSingle High4-Man Rush BaseOverload Packages4-3 Base3-4 Base
Workable
Cover 2 / Tampa 2Wide-9 / Speed Rush Heavy
// NDW Scouting Summary

Arvell Reese projects as a modern, space-oriented linebacker with the athletic profile and versatility to impact all three downs. His length, range, and closing speed allow him to play fast in pursuit and cover significant ground both laterally and downhill, making him a disruptive presence against spread offenses. Reese brings a physical edge as a striker and flashes the ability to shed blocks with his length, while also offering real value as a pressure player with his timing and burst as a blitzer. His movement skills in space give him the ability to match backs and tight ends, and his alignment flexibility allows him to function as both an off-ball linebacker and a hybrid front-seven piece depending on the defensive structure.

As his role continues to expand, Reese’s development will center on improving his processing speed and consistency within structure. He shows flashes of strong downhill instincts, but can still be influenced by misdirection and post-snap eye manipulation, which affects his reaction timing. Continued growth in play strength, hand usage, and coverage awareness will be key in elevating him from an athletic playmaker into a complete defensive centerpiece. With his physical tools, competitive temperament, and early flashes of impact, Reese projects as a high-upside linebacker capable of becoming a foundational piece in an NFL defense if his diagnostic and technical refinement continues to progress.

// Draft Projection
NDW Projection
Round 1
2-7
Comp Reference
PFF: #2 - NFL.COM : #1
NDW Board Rank
#1 LB - #2 OVERALL
// Best Team Fits
NEW YORK JETS
PICK 2
ARIZONA CARDINALS
PCIK 3
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
PICK 7
// Player Comps
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
Cleveland Browns
Similar modern linebacker build + length + movement skills Wins with: Range Explosiveness Versatility across roles Both function as: Space defenders Blitz threats Hybrid second-level pieces Key distinction: Owusu-Koramoah is more instinctively polished early Reese has more traditional size + physical upside. Best stylistic match.
Micah ParsonS (Lite)
Green Bay Packers
Why it fits: Overlapping traits: Explosive downhill trigger Elite blitz/pressure upside Ability to align in multiple roles Key distinction: Parsons = rare instincts + elite pass-rush ceiling Reese = developing processor with similar usage potential 👉 This is the ceiling pathway if everything hits
// Football Background
Coaching Staff
OHIO STATE HC: Ryan Day
Def. Coordinator: Matt Patricia
LB Coach: James Laurinaitis
Background
HS: Glenville High School (GA)
Eligibility: JUNIOR
NDW Grading System Reference
Grade Formula
85% Position-Weighted Trait Grades  +  15% Projection / Context Average  =  Final NDW Grade
Grade Tiers
GradeTierNFL Context
8.80 – 9.00GenerationalFranchise-altering talent, top-5 lock
8.60 – 8.79Rare ProspectTop-10 talent, immediate Pro Bowl upside
8.30 – 8.59Blue-ChipCertain top-20 pick, Day 1 starter
8.00 – 8.29High-End First-RoundLate first-round, starter within Year 1
7.70 – 7.99Clear First-Round / Year 1 StarterFringe first, high-floor contributor
7.30 – 7.69Early StarterDay 2 value, projects to starter role
6.90 – 7.29Starter Upside / RotationSolid Day 2, competes for starting job
6.40 – 6.89Role ContributorDay 3 value, defined role player
5.90 – 6.39Depth / DevelopmentRoster bubble, developmental upside
5.40 – 5.89Backup / Teams / DevSpecial teams, depth signing
1.00 – 5.39Camp / Priority FAPriority free agent or camp body
Grades reflect NDW's independent scouting evaluation and are not affiliated with any NFL team, agent, or media outlet. All trait weights are position-specific. Projection grades (Ceiling, Floor, Role Certainty, Scheme Versatility, Positional Value, Developmental Curve, Durability) apply universally across all positions.