As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, few defensive prospects have generated as much intrigue as Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. Widely viewed as one of the most talented defenders in the class, Reese’s versatility has made him a standout on scouting boards.
However, with that versatility comes an ongoing debate about how he projects at the next level. While some see him as a dominant edge rusher, others believe his physical profile raises legitimate concerns for that role. That discussion took center stage during a recent episode of PFSN’s “Football Debate Club.”
Is Arvell Reese a True Edge Rusher? Analyst Jacob Infante Weighs In
During the show, hosted by Cam Mellor and featuring analysts Jacob Infante and Drew Collings, the panel broke down how many edge defenders could realistically land in the first round.
While Reese is widely projected as a top pick, Infante expressed hesitation about ranking him among the very best edge rushers in the class.
“So I’d have him as EDGE-three in this class behind [Rueben] Bain Jr., but also David Bailey out of Texas Tech as well. Reese is obviously an incredible athlete at his size, but I just worry that he’d be a stellar fit as an edge rusher because of that size relative to the position,” said Infante.
Infante’s concern centers on Reese’s physical measurements, which fall below typical thresholds for NFL edge defenders. He pointed out that Reese’s size could limit his ability to consistently win against bigger, stronger offensive linemen.
“He’d be in the fourth percentile in weight for an edge rusher and the 16th percentile in arm length. I know Bain also has shorter arms, but he’s also bigger and much stronger,” Infante added.
Beyond physical traits, Infante also highlighted Reese’s relative lack of experience compared to other top prospects, suggesting that his developmental curve may be steeper.
“And when you look at it, Reese has way fewer career reps — 333 reps. Both Bain and Bailey have over 1,300, so they get the edge for me,” Infante stated.
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Despite those concerns, Reese’s production and on-field impact cannot be ignored. According to PFSN scouting evaluations, “he was one of Ohio State’s most dynamic defenders,” finishing his final season with 6.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and consensus All-American recognition.
His ability to impact multiple phases of the game, whether rushing the passer, defending the run, or dropping into coverage, makes him a unique prospect. The scouting report further emphasizes his physical tools and disruptive potential.
“He used that strength consistently to stack-and-shed in the run game, plaster solo blockers into the turf as a blitzer, and make solo stops in gap invasion,” the report noted.
Meanwhile, his range and fluidity make him dangerous as a rusher, and his lean, platinum-forged length and frame grant him awe-inspiring power capacity on long-arms and bull-rushes, when utilized with his elite explosive edge. The questions with Reese’s profile stem from his ultimate projection.”
From a metrics standpoint, Reese’s 2025 season reflects both production and areas for growth. According to the PFSN CFB EDGE Impact Metrics, he posted a 77.2 EDGE score, ranking 62nd overall with a C+ grade, highlighting a solid but not dominant campaign.
Across 14 games in 2025, he recorded 6.5 sacks and 69 total tackles, demonstrating his ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories.
Even with these questions, Reese remains one of the most intriguing prospects in the class, carrying a 91.65 grade and ranking No. 1 overall on the PFSN Consensus Big Board.
As draft day nears, Reese’s evaluation may ultimately come down to fit and vision. Teams that see him as a hybrid weapon rather than a traditional edge rusher could unlock his full potential.
