Giants Grab Arvell Reese

What They're Saying

Shane Hallam, DS film guru: “Reese flashed early with 6.5 sacks over his first eight games. His pass rush tailed off late, but [he brings] the athletic upside of an off-ball LB with edge capabilities.”

2026 Fantasy Football Impact

It’ll be tough to expect big fantasy production from Reese as an NFL rookie. He got just 119 total pass-rush chances last season, compared with 251 plays in coverage. That highlights his limited experience in his presumed NFL position.

Of course, he’s projected there because of the position’s value and the big-time upside Reese has flashed. He tied for 12th in Pro Football Focus’ pass-rush productivity among all FBS defenders with at least 100 pass rushes last season.

We’ll have to see about his new coaches’ plans for 2026 (and beyond). There’s a chance he could deliver more fantasy appeal in a hybrid-type role this season. But there’s also risk that we don’t get enough tackles or sack production to support meaningful fantasy value.

A late redraft shot on him would be fine. Just don’t count on Reese heavily in your 2026 IDP plans.

Dynasty Impact

Reese obviously looks much more attractive as a dynasty asset. The longer-term outlook gives him multiple paths to worthwhile production:

1. He could simply work out on the edge and become a startable DE type within the next few years. The high draft capital points to the hope that he generates double-digit sack production annually.
2. Reese could settle into a hybrid role along the lines of Washington’s Frankie Luvu or Detroit’s Derrick Barnes. They finished 1-2 among non-edge LBs in pass rushes last season, but each dropped into coverage roughly 200 more times than they rushed.
3. If the edge stuff proves not to work beyond the occasional blitz, Reese could shift to more of an off-ball LB role.

That last one would disappoint the Giants based on the draft capital they spent. But Reese is plenty good enough to deliver quality fantasy production in such a role.

Ultimately, the uncertainty adds some risk and knocks him behind the top true LBs in our IDP rookie rankings. But the undeniable upside makes Reese a fine shot to take in your rookie drafts.