Each NFL draft selection is a shot in the dark on some level. After all, each prospect involves some level of projection when evaluating professional-level production.
Despite top scouting departments and hours of tape, it’s always difficult to determine how good top prospects will be. There are so many underrated factors that contribute to why one would struggle at new stops.
One of the biggest gambles in the 2026 draft is Ohio State edge/off-ball linebacker Arvell Reese.
The All-American is considered a top run defender while progressing through his pass-rushing prowess. He recorded 6.5 traditional sacks (8 per PFF in 119 pass-rush snaps) last season for a Buckeye defense that ranked among the best in college football.
Despite Reese’s scary-athletic traits and on-field tape positives, there are still plenty of questions surrounding the 20-year-old.
A former NFL head coach and Reese’s collegiate defensive coordinator helped answer some of those questions New York Jets fans are currently asking themselves.
Heaping praise
For most of his NFL career, Matt Patricia was known as a defensive assistant under Bill Belichick with the New England Patriots. Struggles in stops outside of Belichick’s thumb, including his lone head-coaching opportunity with the Detroit Lions, left him in the college ranks as the Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator last year.
Running the Buckeyes’ defense meant Patricia got to see plenty of Reese last season.
In an interview with ESPN’s Peter Schrager, Patricia explained how the concern surrounding Reese is overblown.
“I would say the sky is the limit,” he said. “The thing about Arvell that’s different [is he] can play multiple positions. You can put him in a bunch of different spots and watch him grow. The upside is unlimited.”
Reese’s athleticism was off the charts at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. His 4.46 forty time was the fastest for any edge rusher in workouts. He also showcased the type of bend and first step needed for elite pass rushers.
What stands out most from the star linebacker, though, is what he can bring to a locker room.
“One of my favorite guys to be around,” Patricia said. “When you see him, I smile. He’s such a joy. He’s such a sponge. He played on and off the ball. His ability to set the edge, his explosiveness.
“It’s pretty rare, and it’s pretty special.”
Jets’ draft outlook
As of now, Reese is the betting favorite to be the Jets’ pick with the second overall pick. Following the trade of Jermaine Johnson, New York’s need for quality edge defenders has grown over the last few weeks.
The Ohio State star is seemingly a perfect fit for the kind of multiple looks the Jets want to run with head coach Aaron Glenn calling plays.
With so few pass-rush reps, though, there is concern that it will take some time for Reese to have the kind of impact the organization would need right away. The acknowledgement of things he needed to improve is what stands out the most.
Plus, perhaps something that’s flying under the radar is the attention to detail he brings to a new organization.
“There are a lot of things I have to get better at,” Reese said in Indianapolis. “I think I can adapt to it (rushing the passer) quickly. … It’s what I did last year. I was down on the line at five-down, and when we went four-down, I was off the ball. I’m used to that.”
Every prospect coming into the NFL is a gamble; Arvell Reese is no exception.
Still, if a former NFL defensive coordinator believes the future is this bright for the All-American — while sprinkling in attention-to-detail and willingness callouts — the New York Jets shouldn’t take that lightly, especially with the second overall pick.
