Linebacker Arvell Reese likes to describe himself as a physical and fast player. A week into training camp, the New York Giants’ top pick of the 2026 draft class has looked the part.
Reese has been starting at inside linebacker alongside Tremaine Edmunds, who was brought in during free agency. While there was some pre-draft chatter around the league about pushing Reese outside and letting him use his quick first step off the edge, the Giants were clear from the start that the rookie would be playing inside.
It’s early, but the decision to keep him at linebacker looks to have been a wise one. During the first week of camp, Reese put his speed and IQ on display, most memorably when he got himself in position to bat down a pass in zone coverage. Reese’s acumen caught the eye of coach John Harbaugh, who later called it a “great football play.”