John Harbaugh Encouraged by Arvell Reese’s Start to Giants Training Camp

Arvell Reese Stands Out During Giants First Padded Practice

Reporters and teammates singled out the defender for his disruptive presence on the field. Reese stuffed running backs Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy at the line of scrimmage, made plays in pass coverage, and was credited with a sack of Jaxson Dart during the 11-on-11 sessions. Operating on a blitz with offensive lineman Andrew Thomas nearest to him, Reese managed to break up a starting offense drive during a move-the-ball period, prompting Thomas to shake his head. He also showed immense range earlier in the week by spotting Odell Beckham Jr. crossing over the middle, breaking toward him, and batting away another pass from Dart.

John Harbaugh and Teammates Praise the Rookie’s Early Impact

The multifaceted defensive impact left head coach giantswire.usatoday.com singing the rookie’s praises following the workout. Very encouraged, Harbaugh said, I think he looked good today from what I could see. I can’t wait to see the tape, but he’s playing really well. He’s been playing well the whole camp since he got here. . . . You see the talent, obviously. I think he’s very sharp for a first-year guy. He gets things right pretty much all the time, makes very few mistakes. He’s a very serious-minded guy, and he’s very determined. I mean, he’s doing things well.

New York Giants Complete First Four Days of Training Camp at The Greenbrier

Teammates echoed the head coach’s high assessment of the rookie. Tenth-year right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor stated, I think he’s going to be a pretty dang good player. He’s quick. He’s physical. You can tell that he truly loves this game and that his instincts are just ridiculous. I think he’s going to be a tremendous player for us this year. Defensive tackle D.J. Reader added that the kid has a chance to be real special, while running back Tyrone Tracy remarked that Reese is big, strong, physical, and plays with a see-ball, get-ball mentality.

Defensive Deployment and Draft Expectations

Selected fifth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, Reese was shockingly still on the board when the Giants picked, with general manager Joe Schoen noting that the prospect was ranked number one on the team’s draft board. Prior to the draft, evaluators debated whether he fit best as an outside edge rusher or an inside linebacker, given his 6-foot-4 frame and a 2025 college campaign at Ohio State that included 6.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss. The Giants ultimately settled on deploying him as an off-ball linebacker starting next to Tremaine Edmunds, while retaining the flexibility to move him into specific situations across the front, from interior gaps to the edge.

The defensive upgrade comes at a crucial time for the franchise. Last season, the Giants finished 31st in Pro Football Focus run defense ratings and won just four games under former defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. With Dennard Wilson now directing the defense, the coaching staff hopes Reese and Edmunds will anchor a front seven that also features pass rushers Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and 2025 first-round pick Abdul Carter, helping the unit take a major leap forward.