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Giants Draft Arvell Reese No. 5, Hybrid Edge Linebacker

4/25/2026

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Summary

Reese Drafted

The New York Giants chose Arvell Reese at No. 5 in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Reese, the 2025 Big Ten Linebacker of the Year, recorded 69 tackles, 10 TFL and 6.5 sacks.
He ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the combine, the second-fastest edge speed (22.58 mph) among his class.
Head coach Harbaugh said Reese will play inside (Will) linebacker and rush the edge, a hybrid role likened to Micah Parsons.

Summary

Giants Target Thibodeaux

Giants opened trade talks for former No. 5 pick Kayvon Thibodeaux on Day 2 of the draft.
Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option is $14.75 million, making him a team-friendly asset.
The Patriots, with only 35 sacks last season (22nd overall), are a leading trade destination.
The Saints’ 3-4 defense would let Thibodeaux fit behind Carl Granderson and Chase Young.

Summary

Harbaugh Secures Top-10s

Coach John Harbaugh said the 2026 draft gave him his first chance to hold two top-10 picks.
He recalled his only previous top-10 selection was Ronnie Stanley at No. 6 in 2016.
The No. 5 and No. 10 choices aim to strengthen the Ravens’ offensive and defensive middle, reflecting his fast, violent defensive mindset and preference for hard-gritty players who avoid shortcuts.

History

Historical Context

When the NFL held its 1993 draft on April 25-26, the New York Giants selected guard Scott Davis in the sixth round and added future Hall of Famer Michael Strahan, whose 22.5 sacks in 2001 earned First-Team All-Pro honors and helped New York finish 12-4 en route to a championship. Recent Giants draft picks continue that long-standing emphasis on hybrid pass-rush talent.

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Reese Drafted

The New York Giants chose Arvell Reese at No. 5 in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Reese, the 2025 Big Ten Linebacker of the Year, recorded 69 tackles, 10 TFL and 6.5 sacks.
He ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the combine, the second-fastest edge speed (22.58 mph) among his class.
Head coach Harbaugh said Reese will play inside (Will) linebacker and rush the edge, a hybrid role likened to Micah Parsons.

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