Linebacker or edge rusher? It all depends on which team selects Arvell Reese in the NFL draft
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Arvell Reese could be the first defensive player off the board during the first round of the NFL draft on April 23 in Pittsburgh. There isn’t a clear consensus, though, on the best position for the Ohio State linebacker. Scouts and defensive coaches praise Reese for his versatility.
Most think he can develop into an elite pass rusher, while others envision him more as an off-ball linebacker. As for where Reese feels he is the best fit, he will leave that up to the team that selects him. “Last year, I played everywhere from inside linebackers to SAM (outside) to edge (rusher), so I was comfortable everywhere.
My whole role wasn’t stationed in one spot. I had to be comfortable in every situation,” Reese said after his workout at Ohio State’s pro day on March 25. “It changes each team, so it depends on the system and how the defensive coordinator thinks he’ll use me.
” Reese was an edge rusher and middle linebacker his first two seasons with the Buckeyes, but it was Matt Patricia’s arrival as defensive coordinator last year that unlocked Reese’s full potential. Patricia lined up Reese as a joker defender, which is a hybrid linebacker/edge rusher who can play on the edge or move inside to spy on the quarterback or contain opposing running backs. The role also suited Reese perfectly.
He was second on the Buckeyes with 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 6 1/2 sacks, as the unit led the nation in total and scoring defense. Reese was named the Big Ten’s Linebacker of the Year and was the first AP All-America at Ohio State since James Laurinaitis was a three-time selection from 2006 through ’08. Laurinaitis was also Reese’s position coach.