The Washington Commanders need more pop within the front seven moving forward. More production from the edge spot, more athleticism at linebacker, they need it all. With the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Ohio State's Arvell Reese could be the focus for general manager Adam Peters.
Teams searching for help in the middle of their defense will prioritize Reese due to his size and athleticism. But the question is whether he lands as a primary pass rusher or off-ball backer on Sundays.
Let's dive into the tape.
Ohio State LB/ED Arvell Reese 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Notes:
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 242 pounds
Expected 40 Yard Dash Time: 4.50-4.55
Recruiting: 206th-ranked player in 2023 recruiting class (four-star). No. 18 ranked LB.
College Production: 112 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, 9 pass deflections, 1 INT in 36 games.
Positives:
- Versatile alignment profile that allows him to make an impact up and down a front seven.
- Dynamic athlete with elite explosiveness and closing burst — both traits translate as a linebacker and edge rusher.
- Outstanding length to shed blocks and wrangle down ball-carriers in space.
- Multiple years of experience within an NFL defensive structure under Matt Patricia.
- Elite strength at the point of attack that can jolt back opposing linemen
As versatile a front seven defender as you'll find in the class, Reese is a hybrid athlete who will be best deployed inside a defense that prioritizes his unique skillset, rather than pigeonholing him into one spot. He can set the edge on early downs, chase down running backs from the backside, and has no issue creating push on passing downs.
Teams in need of a do-it-all defender that can elevate multiple spots within their front seven will prioritize Reese early.
Negatives:
- Comfort in coverage — often can find himself in the wrong spot, whether it's due to experience or trusting his athleticism to put him in the best spot, instead of the scheme.
- Gaining correct depth against play-action and change-of-direction ability to counter quicker tight ends and running backs needs work.
- Will need to improve pass rush repertoire if he lives as a full-time pass rusher.
At times, Reese can rely solely on his physical gifts to make plays on the football. At the NFL level, where everyone is big, fast, and strong, fine-tuning the smaller details of his game will allow him to blossom quickly.
There are no glaring holes in his game, but the small nuances he must work on could become large speed bumps to work around if he doesn't work on the little things that separate the good from the elite.
Arvell Reese NFL Player Comparison: Jamie Collins
The comparison here aligns due to the way Jamie Collins was utilized throughout his career with the New England Patriots as a versatile defender who could make an impact on all three downs.
Reese is a more athletic and explosive defender than Collins was, but the situational usage, along with similar body types, makes sense here. You'll see comparisons to Micah Parsons scattered throughout the media, but that would be a significant reach with all things considered at this point in time.
Arvell Reese NFL Draft Grade: Top-15 Selection
Teams will jostle with how they'll evaluate Reese. But either way, he's an early Day 1 lock and a future core contributor for an NFL defense.
Expanding his approach as a pass rusher, along with trusting the scheme in coverage spots, could see Reese quickly become one of football's most impactful defenders early in his career.