Ohio State is set to have a big 2026 NFL Draft with multiple players potentially going in the Top 10 picks. The top player for the Buckeyes is by far linebacker Arvel Reese, who ESPN Draft expert Field Yates is projecting to go No. 2 overall to the New York Jets.
Fellow NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper was speaking with Yates about Reese and loves what he brings to the field. Even though Reese slowed up a bit towards the end of the 2025 season, Kiper compared Reese's versatility to Green Bay Packers EDGE rusher Micah Parsons.
Arvell Reese is one of the most versatile players in the 2026 draft class. He’s a developing pass rusher with big upside.@MelKiperESPN & I break down why he was the pick for the Jets at 2 in my latest mock. pic.twitter.com/LdqqYJf5rN
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) February 12, 2026
Yates picked Reese to go No. 2 overall to the Jets because of the amazing upside that he provides. Even though he didn't have a sack in his final six games of the 2025 season, Reese can still be an adequate pass rusher and be a game wrecker at the second level from the linebacker position.
Reese could offer more upside later down the line, and the Jets are looking to build their defense for the future. Kiper and Yates are both a little worried about the slower end to Reese's 2025 season, but his talent and versatility can't be argued with.
The comparison to Parsons is huge for Reese, as Parsons is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL and one of the most aggressive defenders. Like Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, Parsons is constantly pulling double teams and still finds a way to break through them. Reese's speed and strength are what give him such a high ceiling going forward.
In 2025, Reese finished the season with 69 total tackles, 34 solo tackles, two passes defended, and 6.5 sacks overall. Reese could have stuck with the Buckeyes for another season, but instead chose to forgo his senior season and head to the NFL with his draft stock at its highest point.