Instant analysis: Yes, the NY Giants just drafted another edge defender

The NY Giants select Ohio State EDGE Arvell Reese in the 2026 NFL Draft. | Getty Images After months of speculation we finally have an answer as to who will be the New York Giants first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. With the fifth overall pick the Giants have selected Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State. R

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What is the story about?

After months of speculation we finally have an answer as to who will be the New York Giants first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. With the fifth overall pick the Giants have selected Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State.

Reese is the third edge defender the Giants have selected in the Top 5 since GM Joe Schoen was hired in 2022. But to quote George Young, the Giants’ first GM, “You can never have enough pass rushers.”

Reese has only had one season as a pass rusher, but is widely regarded as one of the highest-upside

defenders in the entire draft. Reese possesses elite athleticism as well as the versatility to play off-ball linebacker. Reese offers game-changing upside as a pass rusher, as well as high processing and experience in Matt Patricia’s sophisticated defense.

It will be absolutely fascinating to see how Dennard Wilson deploys both Reese and Abdul Carter. Reese is a player in the same mold as Carter as a hyper-athletic off-ball linebacker turned pass rusher. Both players have the ability to line up as linebackers, stand-up rushers, or defensive end. Their presence gives the Giants the ability to freely disguise their coverages and blitz packages, be incredibly creative, and keep their pass rushers fresh all game — and season — long.

Reese possesses elite speed, great quickness and agility, as well as surprising strength for his 241-pound frame. He is still a bit raw, however he has Pro Bowl, or even perennial All-Pro upside as a JOKER. He is not only an instant-impact pass rusher, but also already a good run defender as both an edge defender and a linebacker.

The Giants now have an absolute embarrassment of riches at the edge defender between Reese, Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Chauncey Golston.

There is chatter that the Giants may deal Thibodeaux with Reese unexpectedly falling to them to net additional picks. If not, the Giants will be able to send waves of pass rushers after opposing quarterbacks.