The best players in the 2026 NFL Draft class are all being scrutinized, and Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese fell under analyst Emmanuel Acho’s microscope. The linebacker built himself up to rank around the top of the entire draft class on most experts’ boards, and whether he can meet the hype remains to be seen. Acho, however, believes there’s reason to be cautious.
Emmanuel Acho Questions Arvell Reese’s Fit as Edge Rusher Ahead of NFL Draft
Reese spent three years under head coach Ryan Day in Columbus, becoming a rotational player in Year 2 to help his school win the National Championship in 2024. He finished his college career with 70 tackles, 12.0 for a loss, 7.0 sacks, and zero passes defended. At 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, he’s an elite operator in the trenches with a fine eye for quarterbacks and running backs.
Despite all the positives, though, Acho, a former NFL linebacker, sees red flags with the Ohio State prospect. The analyst assessed recent footage of the Buckeyes’ star, to which he raised some concerns.
“Arvell Reese is not a natural edge rusher,” he said on “Speakeasy.” “There are some individuals who are just natural pass rushers: DeMarcus Ware, Jared Allen, Dwight Freeney, Von Miller — natural pass rushers.”
The modern era in the NFL has produced many “freak athletes” as college players’ conditioning has evolved to better prepare them for the pros. Defensive linemen and linebackers have largely evolved into versatile defenders who can rush the quarterback and cover receivers in equal measure.
“Then there are other dudes who are freak athletes who can rush the passer,” Acho added. “Micah Parsons is a freak athlete who can rush the passer. Arvell Reese is not a natural, by any stretch of the imagination, edge rusher. What I mean by natural is some dudes, it’s just like combat, their hands, they see an offensive lineman shoot their elbows — without even thinking, they two-hand swipe… It’s like watching a black belt — it’s the craziest thing. That is not Arvell Reese.”
Reese has shown some chinks in his armor when it comes to rushing off the edge (77.2% PFSN CFB EDGE Impact). Technique doesn’t necessarily come naturally to him, severely limiting his versatility.
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“I don’t love Arvell Reese playing on the edge every down,” Acho said. “He’s probably the highest ceiling, highest bust prospect that will go in the first round.”
Reese might’ve made it to the top of draft boards with his college performances, but slight weaknesses will be a big problem in the NFL. With one month left to sharpen his game, it’ll be interesting to see what the Buckeye looks like in the pros.
