The New York Giants have high hopes for rookie linebacker Arvell Reese after taking him with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
The Ohio State product has immediately gained a starting role in the middle of Dennard Wilson's defense, but it has been a slow start to begin his career. It's far too early to write him off, and he's got plenty of support within the Giants building.
Giants inside linebackers coach Frank Bush gave some insight into what the team has been seeing with the rookie defender.
"The more Arvell plays, the better he's going to play. I'm happy he's seeing all of these things early," Bush told reporters Friday. "I'm happy he's faced with a lot of challenges because down the stretch it's just going to make him comfortable
and then we can really see this big guy run around and knock the (expletive) out of people."
Across the first two games of the season, Reese has 12 tackles (eight solo), one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit. Meanwhile, he's allowed a 142.1 passer rating and two touchdowns on five targets, according to Pro Football Focus.
It's still early, but the Giants are working on the process of Reese putting everything together on the field.
"I think he's playing fast. I think he has a great grasp of what we're asking him to do. He's playing with a lot of power," Bush said. "This guy is so freaking powerful. When he goes forward to play the run game, he's powerful. We've just got to get it all controlled and coming at in the right direction all the time."
The Giants' defense has taken some hits early this season, so getting Reese going will be of the utmost importance if Big Blue is to keep improving on the defensive side of the ball.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants ILBs coach praises Arvell Reese despite slow start
