An electric comparison surrounds Ohio State standout Arvell Reese ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Following Reese’s standout NFL Combine performance, FS1’s Joel Klatt raised expectations with his latest evaluation.
Joel Klatt Sees Rare Upside in Arvell Reese
Speaking on the “Up and Adams show”, Klatt broke down why Reese’s upside stands out. He tied it to both his physical traits and versatility. He started with a direct comparison to a notable NFL star.
“He is a longer, longer, more physical Micah Parsons,” Klatt said. “And he’s just scratching the surface. So Arvell just started for one year at Ohio State. And during that year, he just scratched the surface of playing on the edge. So he was an off-the-ball linebacker.
And then he became kind of a hybrid off the ball on the ball type of player on the edge. And so he can do all the things from a versatility standpoint that Micah can do. And yet he’s just scratching the surface, and he’s bigger than Micah, and he’s longer than Micah.”
Klatt continued by pointing to what could unlock the next level of Reese’s game. He could have a higher ceiling than Parson if he develops into a full-time edge defender at the next level.
“Now I think that for him, his next step in maturation is becoming like a great first step pass rusher. And I think that he can do that because he’s incredibly explosive. But Arvell is the type of guy that can have a Micah Parsons impact. I think he can be at some point in his career in the discussion for Defensive Player of the Year because of that. The way that he can play in space off the ball, on the ball, and impact the game, I think is pretty special.”
Arvell Reese’s Combine Performance Fuels Rising Draft Buzz
Reese’s performance at the NFL Combine only added fuel to that projection. He posted a 4.47 second 40 yard dash and recorded a 1.53-second 10-yard split. Those numbers showed the type of explosiveness teams look for in modern edge defenders.
“(Arvell Reese) is a longer, more physical Micah Parsons. And he’s just scratching the surface.”
NFL Draft analyst Joel Klatt believes Ohio State LB Arvell Reese has DPOY-worthy talent 👀@joelklatt | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/qjDMMspSWh
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 17, 2026
Reese finished the 2025 season with 69 tackles and 6.5 sacks while operating in a hybrid role at Ohio State. That role allowed him to impact the game as an off-ball linebacker and as a pass rusher. Teams now have a clearer picture of how he can be used at the next level.
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That combination of production, athletic testing, and positional flexibility has pushed Reese into the top tier of the 2026 draft class. Teams looking for defensive playmakers will view Reese as a player who can line up in multiple spots and create problems for opposing offenses.
His preference at the next level aligns with that path. During the pre-draft process, Reese expressed a desire to focus on rushing the passer as an outside linebacker or edge defender.
Klatt’s evaluation reflects how teams may view that upside. Reese still has areas to refine, especially as a consistent first-step pass rusher. The physical tools and versatility already stand out.
As the draft approaches, Reese’s profile continues to trend upward. The combination of elite athletic traits and expanding pass rush ability has placed him firmly in the conversation as a potential top 10 selection.
