Arvell Reese Scouting Report

Arvell Reese is an explosive, versatile second-level defender who has flashed the ceiling to become an elite pass rusher in the NFL.

Draft Grade: Round 1 - Pro Bowl Caliber

Strengths:

Versatility: Reese is a versatile second-level defender with the athleticism and size to play all three linebacker positions while fitting into multiple defensive schemes. He is an effective blitzer from depth and brings added value with his ability to align along the line of scrimmage as an impactful edge rusher. Reese’s ability to move seamlessly between off-ball linebacker and edge roles gives defensive coordinators flexibility in how they deploy him. At the NFL level, he projects as a chess-piece defender who can be utilized in a variety of ways and has the potential to become a highly impactful presence.

Explosiveness: Reese plays with excellent burst and overall explosiveness. He shows strong sideline-to-sideline range, flashing quick acceleration and closing speed when pursuing the ball carrier. His explosiveness also translates as a pass rusher, where he can beat offensive tackles around the arc with speed and threaten the quarterback quickly off the snap. Reese shows the ability to convert speed to power, collapsing the pocket with explosive strength. As a tackler, he brings a violent, forceful demeanor, using his size and power to deliver impactful hits.

High Motor/Violent Temperament: Reese consistently plays with a relentless motor and aggressive mindset. From the snap, he pursues the football with urgency, using his quickness and closing speed to finish plays. He is willing to chase ball carriers downfield and shows strong effort in pursuit. As a pass rusher, Reese does not stop after his initial move, displaying the ability to redirect and continue working to the quarterback as the play breaks down. His high-effort, physical style of play stands out and consistently shows up on tape.

Concerns:

Limited Pass-Rush Repertoire: Reese currently profiles as a fairly raw pass rusher. While his explosiveness and physical tools allow him to win with speed and effort, he lacks a developed array of pass-rush moves and reliable counters. At this stage, Reese too often relies on his initial burst to win, and when that first move is stalled, he can struggle to disengage. Developing a more nuanced pass-rush plan—adding hand usage, counters, and secondary moves—will be critical for him to become a consistently effective NFL pass rusher.

One Year of Production: The 2025 season marked Reese’s breakout year and by far the most productive stretch of his collegiate career. After registering just 0.5 sacks in 2024, his production jumped significantly to 6.5 sacks in 2025. While this jump highlights his upside and flashes of impact, it also underscores that his résumé is built on a relatively small sample of high-level production. Reese’s long-term NFL success will be heavily dependent on continued development, refinement of his technique, and his ability to convert traits and flashes into sustained, year-to-year production.