Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese visits New Orleans. Could the Saints snag this top talent, even if he's projected much earlier in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Add another name to the New Orleans Saints' potential first round draft options. The Saints have reportedly already visited with Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese ahead of April's 2026 NFL draft.
Many are not counting on Reese to fall to the Saints at the No. 8 pick given his talent and production. Mock drafts usually have the talented player drafted at least ahead of the Saints if not well before New Orleans is set to pick. Nevertheless, depending on how draft boards take shape over the first few picks, the Saints are preparing for the possibility Reese is an option in case they get the chance to draft him.
Nikhil Mehta of Pro Football Rumors discussed what the Saints interest means for Reese and the potential of the pick at No. 8.
"All 32 NFL teams attended Ohio State’s Pro Day on Wednesday, with the Jets, Saints, and Giants taking extra time to meet with Reese, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. All three hold Top 10 picks and could stand to add an impact defender, especially one who can fill multiple roles in the front seven.
The Saints are picking at No. 8, and even that may be a long shot for Reese, who is widely considered a Top 5 prospect. They have two veteran starters penciled in at edge rusher and linebacker, none of which are younger than 27. Reese could see time in both roles as a rookie and serve as a long-term starter for either depending on how the rest of New Orleans’ roster comes together."
Fellow Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles has been viewed as a potential pick for New Orleans as well as Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate and safety Caleb Downs. In what is shaping up to be an Ohio State-heavy first round of draft picks, it is not difficult to see New Orleans looking to the Buckeyes with their top pick. Who that could be is anybody's guess.
Linebacker probably is not the Saints favorite spot to address with their selection. New Orleans added free agent linebacker Kaden Elliss to replace star linebacker Demario Davis who departed this offseason. Even so, one cannot rule out Reese interest if the team is looking to add the best player available and he falls to No. 8.
The Saints' drafting philosophy could be put to the test this April. We'll monitor where the team goes with its first-round pick.