In the 2026 NFL draft, the New York Giants had the fifth overall pick. Everyone knew they'd pick a defensive player, but which one? Sonny Styles, Mansoor Delane, Caleb Downs, and Arvell Reese were all on the board.
Given the surprise of Reese's availability, the Giants ran the card to the podium.
Reese and New York Jets defensive end David Bailey were ranked as the top two edge rushers in the draft, and the Jets had already selected Bailey, so the Giants didn't have trouble reaching a decision. What they didn't know, though, was just how good of a fit Reese would be in New York. No one questioned his talent or that he would have a great NFL career, but which team you land on matters, and Reese fits with the Giants like a glove.
If you watched the
Giants and Philadelphia Eagles play on Sunday, you won't be surprised to know that Reese led the game with 12 tackles (10 solo), 3.0 sacks, three tackles for loss, and three QB hits. He has been a beast of a player all season, and one teammate in particular is grateful Reese landed in New York.
"Shoutout to the five teams that passed on him in the draft, I'm glad we drafted him"
— SNY Giants (@SNYGiants) November 8, 2026
- Abdul Carter on Arvell Reese pic.twitter.com/I46lYmuDi7
Fellow linebacker Abdul Carter was asked about Reese's three sacks against the Eagles on Sunday.
"Yeah, shoutout to the four teams that passed on him in the draft," Carter said. "He's special. I'm glad we drafted him, for sure."
He's not alone in that sentiment, either. Kayvon Thibodeaux was also asked about Reese.
"Yeah, man, since the first day Arvell joined the team, from training camp, I knew," Thibodeaux said. "For me, personally, when I seen him play, I was like, this dude's gonna be, he's got a chance to be Rookie of the Year, if not one of the best defensive players in the league. Seeing him play great, that's what he does every day."
Through eight games, Reese has 68 tackles (49 solo), 4.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, four passes defensed, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He ranks second only to David Bailey in sacks by a rookie this season.
Reese is a fierce competitor and looks to have an elite NFL career in front of him. The Giants' defense was instantly better as soon as they drafted him in April, and his teammates are grateful he landed in New York.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants' Abdul Carter thanks teams that passed on Arvell Reese
