Giants' Arvell Reese Wins NFL Award After Breakout Performance

The New York Giants added to their already talented defense in the offseason by selecting linebacker Arvell Reese with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Reese has proven to be a valuable addition to the Giants' defense and had the best performance of his career against the Philadelphia Eagles. The 21-year-old finished the game with 12 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and three sacks.

Due to his performance, the NFL named Reese the NFC Defensive Player of the Week. This is a great honor for Reese and shows how much of an impact he is having in his first season in the league.

He was disruptive, as he put constant pressure on the quarterback and is establishing himself as one of the best rookies in the NFL. This season, he has 68 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and an interception.

Reese had an incredible career in college with the Ohio State Buckeyes, and it is carrying over to the NFL. He was an All-American in the 2025 season, recording 69 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and two pass deflections.

The Giants' defense has played well this season despite Brian Burns being out for the season. Burns played at an elite level in the 2025 season, posting 67 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and seven pass deflections.

New York's pass rush could be the best in football next season when Burns returns to the field. In the meantime, they will lean on Reese, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux.

The Giants have endured a lot this season, with key players out for the season, including Burns and their starting quarterback, Jaxson Dart. The trade acquisition, JJ McCarthy, has become the starter for New York and has been solid.

McCarthy has appeared in four games, completing 63.2 percent of his passes for 622 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He is starting to form a connection with Malik Nabers, and if the offense becomes more consistent, the Giants should solidify their top spot in the NFC East and make it into the postseason.

At 5-2-1, New York has a legitimate chance to win their first NFC East title since 2011. If Reese continues to perform at a high level, he will help the Giants make it into the postseason, and he could be a contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year.