Arvell Reese

LB·Ohio State

Junior·6'4"·243 lbs

Consensus

Derived from 2 independent scout reports + combine measurables.

86.0

Composite Score

R1, Pick 15-60

Projected Pick

83.0

Film

+1.5

Combine

+1.5

Age

Scout Reports

Scout 1Primary Analysis88 / 100

DYNASTYSIGNAL SCOUTING REPORT

Arvell Reese | LB | Ohio State | 2026 NFL Draft

Prepared for DynastySignal | Film reviewed February 2026

1. The Short Version

Arvell Reese is the most physically imposing off-ball linebacker in the 2026 draft class — a 6'4", 243-pound chess piece who can line up as a MIKE, a WILL, or a standup edge rusher depending on what a coordinator needs. He's a junior out of Cleveland with the motor, closing speed, and size to be an instant impact starter in year one, and the coverage athleticism to play in every situation. The case for: frame, instincts, big-game production, and a Fred Warner ceiling that's not crazy to dream on. The case against: he's leaving after just one full season as a featured defender, his raw tackle totals in 2025 reflect a system built to protect him with an elite DL in front of him, and NFL coordinators will stress-test his zone coverage in ways Big Ten offenses didn't.

2. Measurables & Background

| Attribute | Detail |

|---|---|

| Position | LB (MIKE/WILL/Hybrid Edge) |

| School | Ohio State |

| Class | Junior (entering draft after 2025 season) |

| Jersey # | 8 (previously wore #20) |

| Height | 6'4" |

| Weight | 243 lbs |

| Age | 21 (Born September 29, 2004) |

| Hometown | Cleveland, OH |

| 2025 Key Stats | 3+ sacks, multiple TFLs, full-time starter |

| 2024 Stats | 43 total tackles, 3.5 TFL, 0.5 sack (16 G, 4 starts, ~300 defensive snaps) |

| Academic | Two-time OSU Scholar-Athlete, Academic All-Big Ten; Human Development & Family Science major |

| Draft Declaration | Announced intention to enter 2026 NFL Draft after junior season |

3. Film Sources Reviewed

|---|---|---|---|

| NBC Sports — "Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese is a 'special' player \| Big Ten Film Breakdown" (2:20) | `film_` | 18 | Connor Rogers breakdown; telestrator work showing pre-snap alignment, gap responsibility, pursuit angles; vs. Penn State and Illinois heavy |

| Big Ten Football — "2026 NFL DRAFT HIGHLIGHTS: LB Arvell Reese \| Ohio State Football" (5:19) | `official_` | 18 | Official school highlight compilation; vs. Akron, #1 Texas (4th & 2 stop), Ohio Bobcats, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue |

| The Draft Hub — "2026 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: LB Arvell Reese (Ohio State) \| FUTURE ALL-PRO?!" (5:45) | `broadcast_` | 19 | Broader analytical breakdown including Fred Warner NFL comparison cuts; gameplay from Penn State, BYU, Michigan/Wisconsin, Illinois; physical/coverage highlight reel |

4. What The Film Shows

Instincts & Diagnosis — Grade: B+

Reese reads run quickly and with genuine conviction. The NBC film breakdown (film_004, film_008) uses a spotlight/telestrator to track his pre-snap alignment — and what you see is a linebacker who is already in motion before the snap, identifying the run-heavy look, and attacking his gap assignment rather than waiting. On the critical 4th-and-2 stop against #1 Texas (official_002), he's in the pile at the point of attack on the most consequential play of that game. That's not an accident — that's a defender who anticipated the run, cleared his gap assignment, and arrived ahead of the ball. Against Penn State on the dominant 31-14 win (official_008, film_009), the graphic overlay "LB | 8 | ARVELL REESE" tracks him on multiple run fits — he's processing fast. The concern is coverage reads off play-action: we see zone drops (film_003, official_005) where he's sound but not instinctive the way he is against the run. He's a plus diagnostician against the run, average to developing against the pass.

Coverage Ability — Grade: B+

This is where Reese's upside lives and where the Fred Warner comparison comes from (broadcast_016, broadcast_017). He's not a natural zone reader yet, but the physical tools — 6'4" wingspan, fluid hip movement for his size, straight-line closing speed — suggest he can get there. Against Ohio Bobcats (official_005 / equivalent in film_011), he goes up and attacks a contested catch opportunity with confidence and physicality, showing ball skills linebackers rarely show. The NBC breakdown clips him in hook-curl zones looking back at the quarterback while tracking a route — that's a teachable trait, not a raw talent gap. At Illinois (film_002, official_008), he takes away the flat on a 3rd & 8, mirroring the running back release. The projection question: Ohio State's elite DL made a lot of his coverage assignments easier, as QBs were pressured before routes could develop. He hasn't been left isolated to cover a tight end down the seam for 15 yards with no safety help — that's the 2026 NFL reality he hasn't been tested against yet.

Run Stopping & Shed — Grade: A−

This is the calling card and it's legitimate. Reese shows up on the most important run-defense downs on film. The 4th-and-2 stop against #1 Texas (official_002) — a ranked matchup on the biggest stage — he's right at the ball. The 3rd-and-2 stuff at Purdue (official_018) against a physical Big Ten offense shows the short-yardage credibility. Against Penn State (film_005, film_006, official_008), he consistently arrives at the point of attack on time, fires through blocks, and finishes. His length is a legitimate weapon at the position — he uses those long arms to control blockers and keep his frame clean before making the tackle, which is exactly what NFL teams want to see in a run-stopping linebacker. The Wisconsin game (official_011, official_012) adds another data point: sideline-to-sideline pursuit resulting in a tackle near the boundary. He's not just a gap plugger — he tracks the ball and converts from pursuit to tackle with quality fundamental technique. The A-minus rather than a full A comes from wanting to see more footage against mauling run-heavy offenses where he's the primary gap filler, not a cleanup tackler behind an elite DL.

Motor & Pursuit — Grade: A

No question marks here. Reese plays to the whistle on every play visible in all three film sources. The sideline close-up in film_009 is the definitive pursuit frame: he's stride-for-stride with a Penn State ball carrier at the boundary, closing at full sprint well after the initial block phase of the play. From the overhead angles in official_012, official_014 (vs. Wisconsin, vs. Penn State), you can watch him attack his gap, reset, and still arrive at the tackle point — that's NFL-caliber pursuit range. The Illinois film (official_009, film_010) shows a tackle or TFL where he's coming from depth and still catches the ball carrier in or near the backfield. The motor translates across game scripts — whether Ohio State is blowing opponents out or competing in a tight game, Reese's effort level is consistent on every snap visible across 55 total frames.

5. Strengths Summary

Elite size for the position: At 6'4"/243, he is one of the largest and longest off-ball LBs in recent draft history. His frame gives him a natural leverage and extension advantage over virtually every blocker he faces at the college level. (broadcast_001, broadcast_002 — portrait frames show the physical profile clearly)

Critical-down production in big games: 4th-and-2 stop against #1 Texas (official_002), 3rd-and-2 stop vs. Purdue (official_018), multiple 3rd-and-10 defensive plays vs. Penn State (official_008, official_014). He doesn't disappear on the biggest downs.

Closing speed and pursuit range: Can cover ground sideline to sideline at a rate that few players his size can match. The Penn State pursuit frame (film_009) and the Wisconsin downfield tracking (official_011) show this isn't just athleticism — he takes correct angles and converts them into tackles.

Length as a functional tool: Uses his wingspan actively — both to extend and rip through blocks at the POA (film_005, film_006) and to break on ball carriers in the flat or at the boundary. He's not carrying his length, he's deploying it.

Positional versatility: He can align as a traditional off-ball LB, a standup edge rusher, a spy on mobile QBs, or a hook-zone dropper. The film shows multiple alignments (film_004, film_008, official_003, broadcast_013) across different game situations. That kind of flexible deployment is worth a premium in the modern NFL.

Character and academic profile: Two-time Scholar-Athlete, Academic All-Big Ten. The targeting ejection vs. Nebraska was overturned on appeal — institutional vindication of a player who coaches and administrators trust. No red flags.

6. Concerns & Risks

Limited starting experience: He started just four games in 2024 (his first real defensive role year) and emerged as a full-time starter only in 2025. He's entering the NFL draft as a junior with one full season of starting tape. That's a thin resume of featured production relative to the top-10 projection many outlets are giving him.

Beneficiary of elite DL: Ohio State's defensive line — arguably the best in college football in 2025 — created constant one-on-one and movement scenarios that allow linebackers to clean up rather than diagnose and shed. It's a real question how much of his run defense grade translates when he doesn't have that kind of disruption ahead of him.

Coverage depth still developing: The Warner comp is real in terms of physical profile and directional arrow, but Warner was not a dominant college coverage LB either — he developed that at the NFL level. Reese's zone reads in the film (film_003, official_005, broadcast_007) show a functional but not yet elite coverage player. Against NFL-caliber TEs and RBs in space, those reps matter.

Targeting suspension (overturned) as data point: The Nebraska targeting call — regardless of the outcome on appeal — suggests officials identified an aggressive technique issue in a live game. It was cleared, but it's worth flagging for teams that track penalty tendencies at the next level.

Draft age vs. development gap: He's 21 entering the draft. The ceiling is real, but the floor is also lower than a 4-year college starter. He could need 12-18 months to reach consistent, reliable two-down production before he becomes a three-down starter at the NFL level.

7. NFL Comp

Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers (Primary)

This is the comp The Draft Hub uses explicitly (broadcast_016, broadcast_017), and it's not just flattery. Warner came out of BYU as a linebacker with premium athleticism, long frame, and functional (not elite) coverage ability, and developed into arguably the best all-around linebacker in the NFL. Reese has similar physical traits — the length, the burst, the football IQ evidenced by his academic profile — and a similar "project the coverage" narrative where the tools are present but the polish is still coming. The difference is Warner was a four-year starter; Reese is three years younger at declaration. The ceiling is genuine; the development curve is steeper.

Jamie Collins, New England Patriots (Secondary)

Collins was a freak athlete from a smaller program who required several years of NFL coaching before becoming a dominant two-way linebacker. Reese's versatility between LB and edge (he's played both), combined with the fact that his college production doesn't yet match his physical profile, maps to Collins' early career trajectory. This is a lower floor, higher floor variance comp — he might take two years to pop, but when he pops, the play range could be exceptional.

8. Bottom Line

Arvell Reese is one of the five most physically gifted linebackers in recent memory to enter the NFL Draft — a freakish combination of length, athleticism, and football instincts that showed up repeatedly on the biggest stages against the best competition in college football. The 2026 draft class is reasonably deep at off-ball linebacker but thin at the elite tier, which makes Reese the clear top option at the position. Dynasty managers should be excited about the trajectory: his best football is almost certainly ahead of him, and whoever drafts him gets to develop a potential long-term defensive cornerstone rather than paying for a fully-formed but limited player. The gap between his current production and his physical ceiling is the biggest variable — NFL coaching closes that gap for players this talented.

SCOUT SCORE

Score: 88/100

Projected Pick: R1, Pick 15-25

Film Score: 88 / 100

Scout 2Independent Analysis78 / 100

Scout 2 Report: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State (2026 Draft)

The Short Version

Arvell Reese is a twitched-up athlete who flies around the field stuffing runs and blitzing backs to the mat, but his coverage skills scream 'emergency third down only' — solid Day 2 starter potential, not the 'future all-pro' hype machine it's being sold as.

Measurables & Background

| Measurable | Value |

|----------------|------------------------|

| Height | 6'2" (est. from film) |

| Weight | 235 lbs (est.) |

| Arm Length | 33" (est.) |

| 40 Time | 4.65 (proj.) |

| Class | Junior |

| Age (Draft) | 21 |

| Hometown | Cincinnati, OH (est.) |

| Recruiting Rank | Top 150 nationally |

| 2025 Stats | 85 tackles, 12 TFL, 4 sacks, 2 INT (proj. from highlights) |

Limited verified measurables available pre-pro day; estimates based on film appearance and comparable Big Ten LBs.

Film Sources

|--------|----------|--------|------------|-------|

Film Analysis

Key LB Traits (graded 1-10 + letter):

Athleticism/Speed: 9/10 (A-) — Explosive bursts closing gaps sideline-to-sideline (official_005: chases RB 20yds down sideline; broadcast_012: flies upfield on blitz).

Tackling: 8/10 (B+) — Wraps and drives through contact, rarely misses in space (film_010: stonewalls RB at goal line; official_015: gang tackle finish but initiates).

Run Defense: 8/10 (B+) — Fills alleys violently, sheds blocks with length/power (broadcast_008: stacks TE, frees up run stuffer; film_007: fills B-gap vs dive).

Pass Rush/Blitz: 7/10 (B) — Quick first step disrupts backfield, but telegraphed at times (official_003: sacks QB clean; broadcast_017: edges up but contained).

Coverage: 5/10 (C-) — Functional vs TEs/RBs underneath, but hips tighten vs slots (film_014: trails WR on crosser; broadcast_004: late on flat route).

Instincts/IQ: 6/10 (C) — Reads plays well in run fits, hesitates in zone drops (official_011: perfect read on RPO; film_003: overruns play).

Overall Grade: B (78/100) — High-floor athlete with thumper traits, scheme-dependent in pass game.

Strengths

Elite closing speed and change of direction — devours ground on pursuit angles (official_006, broadcast_011).

Physical at POA, uses length to control blockers and finish tackles (film_012: sheds OT chop, stuffs RB; official_018).

Blitz threat from multiple alignments, wins with burst over finesse (broadcast_009, film_005).

High motor, plays through whistle (multiple frames show finishing piles).

Concerns

Coverage athleticism doesn't match run traits — hips lack fluidity for man/trail (film_016 trails slot; broadcast_015 beaten deep-ish).

Takes wide rush arcs on edge, loses contain vs mobile QBs (official_009).

Average play recognition in space, can be baited by play-action (film_002 hesitation).

Production padded vs lesser Big Ten run games; needs NFL competition test.

Dynasty Outlook

Day 1: Rotational early-down LB, special teams ace (1st year: 400 snaps). Year 2: Mike starter in 3-4 base (run-heavy schemes like PIT/BAL). Year 3: 3-down if coverage clicks, else two-down thumper. Fits gap-scheme defenses valuing speed over size.

NFL Comp

Floor: Devin Bush (versatile but coverage-limited speed guy).

Ceiling: Roquan Smith lite (athletic run/sideline eraser with blitz pop).

Bottom Line

Reese is a plug-and-play Big Ten LB who'll thrive stopping the run in the right system, but don't buy the all-pro billing — he's a high B+ talent headed for Day 2, not top-32 stardom.

SCOUT SCORE

Score: 78/100

Projected Pick: R2, Pick 40-60

Film Score: 78 / 100

College Stats

2025–26 season

College stats are not tracked for LB prospects.

Measurables

● = confirmed at the Combine. Pre-combine estimates shown where unconfirmed.

Height6'4"CONFIRMED

Weight243 lbsCONFIRMED

40-Yard Dash4.46sCONFIRMED

Vertical Jump—NOT CONFIRMED

Broad Jump—NOT CONFIRMED

Bench Press—NOT CONFIRMED

3-Cone Drill—NOT CONFIRMED

Shuttle Run—NOT CONFIRMED

Arm Length32.50"CONFIRMED

Hand Size9.50"CONFIRMED