Arvell Reese
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The Jets have reportedly hosted linebacker Arvell Reese on a Top 30 visit ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft
The New York Jets have been hard at work so far this offseason, and they are continuing to get themselves ready for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Armed with the No. 2 overall pick, the Jets are going to be looking to add a player who can be an immediate contributor next season, while also being a key piece of their team for years to come.
With so many needs across their roster, there are several different avenues that New York could opt to take when it is on the clock with this pick. The guy many evaluators believe they are locking in on, though, is Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese, and it appears as if the team has taken a big step towards bringing him to town.
Jets Have Reportedly Hosted Arvell Reese on a Top 30 Visit
In a perfect world, the Jets would select a quarterback with their first-round pick, but this draft class is light on prospects with a first-round grade. Fernando Mendoza would be a fit, but he’s set to get selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 1 overall pick, so assuming that happens, New York will have to pivot and target another spot.
Reese is one of the top prospects in this draft class, and he may be the best player available, regardless of position. In 2025, Reese earned All-American honors with Ohio State after he racked up 69 tackles, 10 sacks, and two pass breakups in 14 games of action. A three-down player who can play against the run and the pass, Reese has the makings of a future star.
New York shed several of its most talented defenders, such as cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, at the trade deadline last season, so it could use an influx of talent on that side of the ball. Reese would immediately help elevate this group, and it looks like the Jets may be locking in on him at their pick at No. 2, as they appear to have already brought him to town for a Top 30 visit ahead of the draft.
“Ohio State LB Arvell Reese has had Top 30 visits with the Jets, Cardinals, Titans, Giants, Chiefs, and Cowboys, per me and Mike Garafolo,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported in a post on X.
Should the Jets Draft Arvell Reese?
Arvell "Vell" Reese
GettyOhio State linebacker Arvell Reese
There’s no doubt that Reese is one of the most tantalizing prospects in this draft. The question is really a matter of whether or not this is the best position to address with this selection. It is worth noting that New York used a first-round pick on Will McDonald in 2023, so the front office could feel this isn’t the best hole to fill with this pick.
Still, the Jets need playmakers on defense, and that’s exactly what Reese is. Whereas McDonald plays more as a defensive end, Reese plays as a linebacker, meaning they could potentially form a prolific duo for years to come. New York is rebuilding, so selecting the best player available is the best path forward for this team, and it seems like Reese may very well be the guy who fits that bill.