New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh expressed strong approval of first-round draft pick Arvell Reese following the team’s first padded training camp practice. Reese, selected fifth overall in the 2026 NFL draft, stood out by stopping run plays and sacking quarterback Jaxson Dart.
The New York Giants kicked off their first padded training camp practices of the summer under head coach John Harbaugh, and their top draft selection immediately made his presence felt. Selected fifth overall in the 2026 NFL draft, rookie linebacker Arvell Reese quickly drew the attention of reporters, teammates, and coaches alike during the session at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
John Harbaugh Praises Reese After First Padded Session
Reese’s multifaceted defensive impact during the Monday workout left coaching staff members singing the rookie’s praises. The former Ohio State standout stuffed running backs at the line of scrimmage, made plays in pass coverage, and pressured the backfield.
“Very encouraged. I think he looked good today from what I could see. I can’t wait to see the tape, but he’s playing really well. He’s been playing well the whole camp since he got here. . . . You see the talent, obviously. I think he’s very sharp for a first-year guy. He gets things right pretty much all the time, makes very few mistakes. He’s a very serious-minded guy, and he’s very determined. I mean, he’s doing things well.”
John Harbaugh, head coach
When the Giants drafted Reese fifth overall, general manager Joe Schoen noted that the versatile defender was No. 1 on the Giants’ draft board. Evaluators previously compared his physical upside to Micah Parsons, noting his capacity to rush the passer or operate as an off-ball linebacker. Although Ohio State did not use him as a full-time pass rusher, Reese recorded 6.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 2025.
Rookie Standout Stuffs the Run and Sacks Jaxson Dart
Heavy rain poured down at The Greenbrier as the team strapped on pads for the first time, but the weather did nothing to slow down the 6-foot-4 rookie. On the very first play of practice, Reese shot downhill to stop running back Cam Skattebo short of a first down on third-and-2. Later in the session, he batted away a pass intended for Tyrone Tracy and also spotted Odell Beckham Jr. crossing over the middle to break up another pass from quarterback Jaxson Dart.
The defining moment of the afternoon arrived near the end of practice when Reese blew past All-Pro tackle Andrew Thomas to record a sack of Jaxson Dart, derailing the starting offense’s drive during a move-the-ball period. Thomas shook his head after the play, while teammates watched in awe.
“The kid has a chance to be real special.”
D.J. Reader, defensive tackle
You don't really get a chance to see kids that size move around like how he does at every different position. Really run around and be smart. He stays quiet and really tries to learn. Reader
Running back Tyrone Tracy also praised the rookie’s physical style of play during the workout, saying of the linebacker, No. 52, that boy. I mean, he's big, strong, physical. I think he's a great football player. I think Arvell is see ball, get ball. I think that's the best way to describe him, man.
Offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor added during the session, I think he's going to be a pretty damn good player.
Defensive Scheme and Regular Season Outlook
Entering the summer, questions lingered over how the Giants would deploy Reese within their defense, but the team ultimately settled on using him as an off-ball linebacker alongside Tremaine Edmunds. During the first padded practice, the coaching staff began moving him around the line—from interior gaps to the edge—as a situational rusher alongside a front seven that already features Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and 2025 first-round pick Abdul Carter.
The Giants defense severely underperformed under previous coordinator Shane Bowen during the prior year, but with Dennard Wilson now taking over as the team’s defensive coordinator, the unit is expected to take a major leap forward. As training camp continues, the team aims to transition Reese’s early practice success smoothly right into upcoming preseason games and the regular-season schedule.
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