This Ohio State Buckeyes star saw his NFL Draft stock take a nosedive in a recent projection.
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese has established himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in the country this season, so much so that some feel he will be the best all-around talent in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
Many mock drafts have Reese going within the top five, with some even tabbing him as a potential No. 1 overall pick (depending on which NFL team ends up at the top, of course).
However, Alec Elijah of Pro Football Network clearly does not think quite as highly of Reese, as he has him falling all the way to No. 16 in his most recent three-round mock draft.
"Ohio State’s Arvell Reese has been regarded as the best linebacker prospect in this draft class, and like the Buckeye before him, he also has the goods to go in the top ten," Elijah wrote. "Praised highly for his physicality, length, and speed, Reese has all the makings of a franchise linebacker in the NFL."
Elijah was obviously very complimentary of Reese, who has racked up 62 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks this season. But considering just about every other mock draft we have seen is projecting Reese to land in the top five, going 16th overall is a pretty steep drop.
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese. Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images.One thing working against Reese is that he does not have a defined position. Not in terms of NFL standards, anyway.
The junior is working as an off-ball linebacker for Ohio State, and these days, off-ball linebackers are never prioritized that highly.
However, based on Reese's ability to rush the passer, he could end up being an edge rusher on the professional level, which is why many have him flying off the board so quickly.
That is most likely where Reese will be positioned once he gets to the NFL, as he has all of the physical tools needed to become an edge.
The 20-year-old also came out of nowhere for the Buckeyes this season. While everyone knew he would have an expanded role after Ohio State lost so many players to the draft last year, he had very limited experience heading into 2025.
Reese did not even register a statistic during his freshman campaign in 2023, and last season, he finished with 43 tackles and a half of a sack.
There are definitely some reasons to question Reese's acumen as a top-five selection, but based on his immense talent, he will almost surely end up going earlier than 16th this coming April.