New York Giants fans already love Arvell Reese, but they're about to get even more excited.
The New York Giants pulled off quite a shocker in the first round of the NFL Draft, selecting Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with the fifth overall pick.
It was surprising Reese was still on the board at No. 5, and it was also a bit jarring that the Giants took yet another pass rusher in spite of having a roster full of them.
While there have been plenty of questions about Reese's fit in New York, most Giants fans are thrilled that the team landed a player whom many considered to be the best in this draft class, and edge rusher Brian Burns seems equally stoked.
When asked about Reese, Burns did not hold back his praise.
“I really like what he said in the media, and I [kind of] know it’s not fluff when he said he’d rather be seen than heard,” Burns said, via The New York Post. “That speaks volumes as a rookie. I really appreciate that.”
Reese absolutely looked calm, cool and collected during his introductory press conference, and you can absolutely tell that the youngster has the right mindset heading into his professional career.
New York Giants linebacker Arvell Reese. Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images.“He does carry that kind of business-minded persona, so as a rookie, I feel that’s important,” Burns added. “He’s trying to show the vets he’s about his business, and he’s going to come in to work.’’
Reese is rather reserved, which, a lot of the time, is exactly what you want from a young player stepping into the league for the first time.
The 20-year-old spent three seasons at Ohio State between 2023 and 2025, with his first real action coming during his second year when he logged 43 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss.
Then, during his final campaign with the Buckeyes, Reese registered 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, earning himself an All-American selection.
Reese still has a whole lot to prove. He doesn't really have a clear-cut position, and his overall lack of production in college is a bit of a red flag. But he is an athletic freak with obvious potential, so perhaps the Giants made the right call here.
Meanwhile, Burns racked up 67 tackles, 16.5 sacks, 31 quarterback hits, three forced fumbles and seven passes defended in 2025. Only Cleveland Browns superstar Myles Garrett had more sacks than the Pro Bowler.
Hopefully, Reese fits right in with Burns, Abdul Carter and the rest of New York's front seven, which should certainly be a strong suit next fall.
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