Ohio State's Arvell Reese on possibly being drafted by Jets No. 2 overall: 'That'd be amazing'
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese speaks at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday. Credit: AP/Michael Conroy
The Jets won’t find their franchise quarterback with the No. 2 pick, but they’re in a perfect spot to take who they believe is the most impactful defensive player in this draft.
Ohio State’s versatile outside linebacker/edge rusher Arvell Reese could be that guy.
“That’d be amazing,” Reese said Wednesday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Reese is most often linked to the Jets at No. 2, but edge rushers David Bailey from Texas Tech and Miami’s Ruben Bain Jr. could be in the mix as well. Reese is widely considered the top prospect of the three. He feels that way too.
“I don't really see nobody but me,” Reese said. “I ain't gonna lie. To be honest with you. All I see is me. I'm just worried about getting better.”
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza would be the Jets’ dream pick, but he’s not getting past Las Vegas with the No. 1 choice. Provided the Jets don’t trade down for more draft capital, it would be hard for them to pass on a potential disruptive and playmaking edge rusher to help Aaron Glenn’s system.
The Jets head coach will also serve as defensive play caller. Glenn’s not-so-humble declaration that “play calling is my superpower” was a strong statement that he will have to back up.
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Ree, right, in action against Giovanni el-Hadi of Michigan on Nov.29, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Credit: Getty Images/Luke Hales
It will be up to Glenn to elevate the defense and perhaps save his job by getting the Jets to rattle quarterbacks and force takeaways. They were 31st in sacks (26) last season and were the first team in NFL history to go an entire season without an interception.
Reese could help change that.
A young player with a high ceiling, he is only 20 and became a full-time starter for the first time as a junior at Ohio State.
He totaled 69 tackles, including 10 for loss, and had 6.5 sacks playing in defensive coordinator Matt Patricia’s multi-front system. Reese, a consensus All-American, knows he still has room to grow.
“I haven't even scratched the surface with what I could do pass rushing for real,” Reese said.
Reese met with Glenn, general manager Darren Mougey and the defensive coaches in Indianapolis. Reese said the Jets installed some plays because they “wanted to see where my head was at.” He came away impressed.
“I think that's a serious organization,” Reese said. “I respect the guys I met with. I respect that room.”
The program and the coaches whom Reese played for make him even more appealing because he’s familiar with pro-style defenses.
Patricia won three Super Bowls coaching under Bill Belichick in New England, and two as defensive coordinator. Patricia compared Reese to former Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins, a versatile player who spent 10 years in the NFL and made one Pro Bowl.
The 6-4, 243-pound Reese got “a good amount” of pass rushing snaps at Ohio State and he loved the way Patricia used him. Reese was moved around, spending time at weakside linebacker and edge rusher. He was strong at setting the edge in the run game and dropped back in coverage at times.
Reese said NFL teams have asked him where he’s most comfortable playing. Reese has told them outside linebacker and edge. He could be utilized in different ways in Glenn’s defense that also could have different looks and fronts. That’s right up Reese’s alley.
“I think that gave me an advantage for sure,” Reese said about playing for Patricia. “I just gained a bunch of knowledge from him. It's stuff you pick up on and you don’t even realize you gained it from him. I'm realizing that right now, but yeah, definitely benefited a lot from Matt Patricia.”
The Jets could end up benefiting from the former Patriots’ influence as well.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
