NFL Draft: Arvell Reese is First Ohio State Defender Taken at No. 5 to Giants

The New York Giants have officially kicked off the defensive run of the 2025 NFL Draft, and they did it in emphatic fashion. With the No. 5 overall pick, the Giants selected Arvell Reese, the explosive linebacker from Ohio State. Reese becomes the first Buckeye defender off the board in a class loaded with talent from a unit that was historically dominant in 2024. For a Giants team desperate for a sideline-to-sideline disruptor, this pick feels like a perfect marriage of need and value.

Reese’s rise to the top five is one of the most compelling stories of this draft cycle. Just two years ago, he was a rotational player flashing potential. After a breakout junior campaign under defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, Reese transformed into a consensus All-American, the Big Ten’s Linebacker of the Year, and a Butkus Award finalist. Now, he lands in the NFC East, ready to terrorize quarterbacks and ball carriers alike.

Why Arvell Reese Rocketed Up Draft Boards

If you were watching college football last season, you saw the moment Arvell Reese stopped being a prospect and started being a star. It happened in Week One, when Ohio State faced Texas in a 14-7 slugfest. Reese recorded 9 tackles and a sack, setting the tone for a defense that would finish the season ranked No. 1 in the nation in both fewest yards and points allowed.

“That Texas game was the turning point,” Reese told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine. “I realized I could dominate at this level. Coach Patricia gave me the freedom to play fast and aggressive.”

His final stat line—69 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and two pass breakups—only tells part of the story. What scouts saw on tape was a player who could drop into coverage, blitz off the edge, and chase down running backs from behind. Reese finished the season with a 91.2 grade from Pro Football Focus against the run, the highest among Power Five linebackers.

• Speed and Power: Reese ran a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash at 240 pounds, rare athleticism for a player his size.
• Versatility: He played both off-ball linebacker and edge rusher, often lining up over tight ends or standing up in a 3-4 scheme.
• Football IQ: Patricia’s complex defensive system required Reese to make pre-snap adjustments. He rarely missed a call.

“Arvell has that rare combination of instincts and violence,” said one AFC scout who spoke on condition of anonymity. “He hits like a safety but moves like a defensive end. That’s why he went top five.”

How Reese Fits the Giants’ Defensive Scheme

The New York Giants have spent years searching for a dynamic linebacker who can anchor the second level. With Reese, they get a player who can do it all. At the combine, Reese clarified his position: “I consider myself an edge and outside linebacker, more of an off-the-ball linebacker.” That flexibility is exactly what defensive coordinator Shane Bowen needs.

In Bowen’s hybrid scheme, Reese can line up as a traditional MIKE linebacker on early downs, then slide to the edge on passing situations. His ability to rush the passer—he generated 28 quarterback pressures last season—gives the Giants a weapon they haven’t had since the prime years of Jason Pierre-Paul. But Reese’s coverage skills are equally impressive. He allowed just 5.3 yards per target in coverage, a number that ranks among the best in this draft class.

Projected Impact: Reese will likely start from Day One. The Giants’ defense ranked 22nd in points allowed last season, and their linebacker corps was a revolving door of injuries and inconsistent play. Reese brings a physical presence that should immediately elevate the unit. Expect him to post 80+ tackles and 5-6 sacks as a rookie.

“He’s a tone-setter,” said NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah. “The Giants just got a player who will make everyone around him better. That’s what you want with the fifth pick.”

Ohio State’s Defensive Dynasty Continues

Reese’s selection is just the beginning for Ohio State’s 2024 defense. His teammates, safety Sonny Styles and cornerback Caleb Downs, are expected to hear their names called later in the first round. Styles, a versatile safety who can play in the box or deep zone, is projected to go in the top 20. Downs, a ball-hawking corner with 4 interceptions last season, could sneak into the top 15.

“Ohio State’s defense was special last year,” Reese said after his selection. “We pushed each other every day. Sonny and Caleb are just as talented as me. They’re going to make plays in this league.”

The Buckeyes’ defensive dominance in 2024 was no accident. Under Matt Patricia, the unit allowed just 12.1 points per game and 287.4 yards per game, both national bests. Reese was the engine, but the supporting cast was elite. Now, the NFL is reaping the rewards.

• Sonny Styles: 88 tackles, 4 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles. Projected: Late first round.
• Caleb Downs: 45 tackles, 4 INTs, 12 pass breakups. Projected: Top 20.

For Giants fans, this pick signals a clear direction. General Manager Joe Schoen is building through the trenches and the second level. Reese is the cornerstone of that vision.

Final Analysis and Draft Prediction

The Giants made a statement with the No. 5 pick. In a draft heavy on quarterbacks and offensive tackles, they chose a defensive playmaker who can change the complexion of a game. Arvell Reese is not just a product of Ohio State’s system—he is a transcendent talent who will thrive in the pros.

Look for Reese to make an immediate impact in Week One against the Dallas Cowboys. His speed off the edge will test Dallas’s offensive tackles, and his ability to spy mobile quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Dak Prescott will be invaluable in the NFC East.

Prediction: Reese finishes his rookie season with 85 tackles, 6 sacks, and 2 interceptions. He is a strong candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

As the draft continues, all eyes will be on Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs. But for now, the spotlight belongs to Reese. The first Buckeye defender is off the board, and the Giants just got a game-changer.

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Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.