Arvelle Reese hasclimbed to the top of the 2026 NFL Draft projection boards. The Athletic’s latest mock draft features the Ohio State linebacker as the No. 1 overall selection, marking a remarkable rise for the dynamic junior.
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) hits Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Devonte Ross (5) beside cornerback Lorenzo Styles Jr. (3) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) hits Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Devonte Ross (5) beside cornerback Lorenzo Styles Jr. (3) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.
Nick Baumgardner projects Reese landing with the New York Jets, who would hold the rights to the top pick. The writer explained that the Jets could afford to wait on selecting a quarterback because they possess five first-round picks over the next two years.
Baumgardner compared Reese to one of the NFL’s elite defenders in his analysis. “If there’s a football player in this draft reminiscent of Micah Parsons, it’s pretty clearly Reese, the dynamic Ohio State junior,” Baumgardner wrote.
The linebacker’s versatility makes him special according to the mock draft evaluation. “He can play in the box, off the edge or even in the slot in some situations,” Baumgardner explained. “He has true do-it-all potential and could be a game-breaker in the NFL.”
Reese has shot to the top of many NFL mock draft boards due to his standout play this season. His ability to impact games from multiple positions sets him apart from other defensive prospects. Teams value defenders who can move around and create mismatches.
The Micah Parsons comparison carries significant weight. Parsons has become one of the league’s most disruptive defensive forces since Dallas drafted him. If Reese can replicate even a portion of that impact, the Jets would land a franchise-changing talent.
New York’s collection of first-round picks gives them flexibility in building their roster. They can address the linebacker position with the top pick while still having ammunition to move up for a quarterback later if needed.
Caleb Downs Projects as Top Five Pick
Another Ohio State defender appears in the top five of Baumgardner’s mock draft. Safety Caleb Downs is projected to go No. 5 overall to the Miami Dolphins.
Downs landing in the top five alongside Reese would give Ohio State two defenders selected in the draft’s opening round. That type of production reflects the program’s defensive excellence under their current coaching staff.
Miami getting Downs at No. 5 would address a major need in their secondary. The Dolphins have struggled with safety play and need an impact player who can change games from the back end.
Arvelle Reese’s projection to No. 1 represents the pinnacle for any college prospect. Few linebackers go first overall in modern drafts as teams typically prioritize quarterbacks, edge rushers or offensive tackles. His versatility and playmaking ability make him the exception.
The comparison to Parsons suggests scouts see similar traits in Reese’s game. Parsons’ ability to play multiple positions and impact games in various ways revolutionized how teams view linebacker value. Reese appears poised to follow that blueprint.
Ohio State’s defense hasproduced elite NFL talent consistently in recent years. Reese and Downs continuing that tradition would cement the program’s status as a defensive factory. Both players have the talent to become immediate impact starters at the professional level.