The New York Giants‘ decision to select Arvell Reese with the No. 5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is one that raised several questions across the league. Even wide receiver Malik Nabers disliked the decision after the team missed out on Jeremiyah Love. However, head coach John Harbaugh has now set the record straight.
Though listed as an outside linebacker coming out of college, Reese can truly play on every position across the box. Harbaugh and the Giants took that into account before making their first pick in the opening round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
As Harbaugh noted, New York expects Reese to change shapes and help the defense in a position-less role. At the end of the day, Arvell Reese’s profile speaks for itself, and the Giants simply drafted the best player available in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“Arvell is a versatile player. We’re gonna play him at inside backer, WILL backer,” Harbaugh stated, per NY Daily News Sports. “Our defense is flexible, position-less. He’ll have an opportunity to move around, but he’ll line up next to Tremaine [Edmunds].”
Head coach John Harbaugh.
NY Giants’ depth
With the likes of Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York has enough options to get to the opposing quarterback from the edge. Moreover, pass rushers such as Chauncey Golston, Caleb Murphy, Trace Ford, and DeMarvin Leal ensure the Giants have sufficient depth to withstand the 17-game NFL season. As highly touted a prospect as he is, Reese will have to earn his reps on the outside.
On the inside of the linebacking corps, the G-Men have talent, too. Based on Harbaugh’s statement, Reese is already ahead of Micah McFadden on the depth chart and will play alongside Edmunds. New York also has Darius Muasau, Cam Jones, Zaire Barnes, and Swayze Bozeman to provide depth.
Just getting started
The Giants might add more options in the coming days of the 2026 NFL Draft. It’d be surprising, to say the least, but so was the G-Men selecting Reese with their No. 5 pick, so fans—and Nabers—may want to buckle up and hold on tight, as the draft weekend is only getting started.
