Arvell Reese Blazes NFL Combine, Emerging as No. 2 Pick on Jets’ Radar

INDIANAPOLIS — Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese arrived at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine with first-round buzz, and he is leaving an even hotter name after flashing elite athleticism and position versatility on Friday. Reese, measuring 6-4 and 243 pounds, posted an unofficial 4.47-second 40-yard dash during on-field drills, a time that would have ranked among the top five edge defenders at last year’s event. The Glenville (Cleveland) product also recorded a 39-inch vertical and 10’6” broad jump, confirming the explosiveness that made him the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year and a consensus All-American in 2025. Teams are split on Reese’s best long-term role, but the prospect embraces the question. “I’m comfortable off the ball, but I think I can be special on the edge,” he said after formal interviews, noting meetings with the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons this week. The Jets hold the No. 2 overall pick, and several league sources told Pro Football Network that New York is “seriously weighing” Reese if they can’t move down. What Reese offers 1. Burst and bend: Film and testing numbers show a rare first step plus the flexibility to turn the corner, traits that translate to double-digit sack upside in the pros. 2. Range in space: Ohio State often dropped him into hook-curl zones, where he logged three interceptions in 2025, evidence he isn’t just a straight-line rusher. 3. Motor and makeup: Coaches at OSU lauded his weekly practice intensity, and Reese told reporters he watches Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons “every night” to steal pass-rush counters. Work still to be done Reese acknowledged his hand usage “needs refinement” and said he has been drilling cross-chops with defensive-line specialist Eddy McGilvra since January. Scouts also want to see him add 5-10 pounds without losing speed, something he plans to address at Ohio State’s pro day on March 20. Draft outlook Most analysts entered the week projecting Reese between picks 8-15, but his combine showing and clean medicals could propel him into the top five. Yahoo Sports notes that his 40-time projection rivaled last year’s edge star Dallas Turner, who went No. 7 overall. If the Jets pass, the Arizona Cardinals (No. 4) and Los Angeles Rams (No. 6) are viewed as logical fits for a defense-first cornerstone. Local hero to national star The rise is particularly sweet for Cleveland’s Glenville program, which has now produced three first-rounders in the past decade. “I want every kid back home to know your ZIP code doesn’t decide your ceiling,” Reese said, reflecting on a path that began with carrying water bottles at Ted Ginn Sr.’s summer workouts. What’s next Reese will skip Saturday’s bench press to protect a minor thumb sprain but intends to go through all linebacker change-of-direction drills. He will then head to Phoenix to train before OSU’s pro day, where he hopes to clock a sub-6.9 three-cone and cement his case as the draft’s most scheme-versatile defender. Search interest in “Arvell Reese 40 time” and “Arvell Reese Jets” has already spiked since his run went viral on social media, a hint that the buzz surrounding the Buckeyes star is only just beginning.