Giants Unveil Versatile Rookie Arvell Reese at Minicamp

The New York Giants introduced their 2024 fifth-overall pick, linebacker Arvell Reese, during rookie minicamp. He measures 6-4 and weighs roughly 240 lb. In 11-on-11 drills he rotated between inside linebacker, edge-rusher and a hybrid “WIL” (linebacker) position, dropping into coverage and rushing the passer. Coaches observed that he rarely missed assignments and assimilated the defensive concepts quickly.

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The Giants entered the 2024 offseason reshaping their inside-linebacking corps, releasing captain Bobby Okereke and adding Tremaine Edmunds. They retained edge-rushers Abdul Carter, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, seeking a defender who can function as a “Swiss-army-knife” across the front seven. Reese’s experience at Ohio State under defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, where he alternated between inside linebacker and edge rusher, matches the team’s versatility goal.

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Giants coach John Harbaugh praised Reese’s rapid learning curve and his ability to execute assignments without frequent errors. Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson said Reese’s physical ability and intelligence make him a valuable tool in the scheme. Assistant general manager Brandon Brown highlighted Reese’s synergy with Edmunds, saying their combined size improves middle-field coverage while preserving pass-rush potential. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said Reese may have the biggest ceiling among his draft class.

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Wide-receiver Malik Nabers voiced confusion after the draft, questioning why the Giants took another pass-rusher after drafting Carter. Harbaugh met with Nabers the next day and explained that Reese will be used effectively without overlapping Carter’s role, emphasizing distinct responsibilities within the defensive front.

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• “He put me in those roles and it was on me to pick it up and learn multiple roles,” — Arvell Reese, rookie linebacker

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• “He's six-four plus, 240-some pounds, and yet he moves like a smaller guy,” — John Harbaugh, Giants coach

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• “Allows us to create chaos and just created matchups that are in our favor from the defensive standpoint.” — Brandon Brown, assistant general manager

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• “The more that he plays and the more he learns what they want to do with him, the better he’s gonna be,” — Ryan Day, Ohio State head coach

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Reese will continue training with the Giants through preseason, with coaches expecting him to assume a regular-season role that blends coverage duties and pass-rush assignments. His performance will be monitored as the team finalizes defensive rotations ahead of the 2024 campaign.

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