When compared to an edge rusher like David Bailey, the contrast is clear. Bailey is a productive, polished prospect who fits easily into an NFL defense. Reese requires more projecting and coaching, but his unrefined physical traits stand out on film.
Arvell Reese’s Traits Make Him a Standout NFL Prospect
Those traits caught the attention of NFL analyst Greg Cosell. Cosell highlighted Reese’s explosiveness coming off the edge, noting his ability to close space faster than most players his size.
“I’ll start with the guy that intrigues me the most because of his FREAKISH athletic traits…”
“I was just really struck by how EXPLOSIVE he was rushing the quarterback…”@GregCosell breaks down Ohio State edge/LB Arvell Reese: pic.twitter.com/wtlvjyrDza
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) April 9, 2026
Cosell is a respected analyst, and his evaluation of Reese should resonate within front offices. The 2025 season was Reese’s first extended run playing on the edge, and his pass-rush moves remain raw. He has dominant snaps where he overwhelms offenses, alongside others where he is clearly learning the position.
Teams do not seem bothered by his developmental timeline. His raw ceiling is factored into his evaluation and enhances his draft stock. He earned consensus All-American honors and was named Big Ten Linebacker of the Year in 2025.
He currently sits as the top-ranked edge rusher and the No. 2 overall prospect on the PFSN consensus big board, indicating how heavily evaluators weigh his upside. However, his PFSN CFB Edge Impact Score is 77.2, ranking 62nd nationally. Normally, that statistical gap would raise questions, but with Reese, it reinforces that he is not a finished product.
Teams are betting on what he could become. Even with his current skill set, he remains one of the top 2026 NFL Draft prospects. He finished the 2025 season with 69 tackles and 6.5 sacks, generating a 22.7% pressure rate.
From a developmental standpoint, Reese was coached by Matt Patricia at Ohio State. Patricia served as the Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator for a unit that allowed a nation-best 9.3 points per game. The franchise that drafts him will need patience early in his career.
That is the decision front offices are weighing. Bailey offers a more immediate and predictable skill set. Reese is a long-term investment. If his technique catches up to his physical tools, he is an athlete who could make a significant impact at the professional level.
