Arvell Reese On Concerns Of Lack Of Experience Entering 2026 NFL Draft, Names Surprising Past Star As Favorite Player

Arvell Reese said he's not too concerned over questions of his lack of experience as an edge rusher. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Arvell Reese isn’t concerned over his detractors entering the NFL Draft. As the top-rated pass rusher gets ready to hear his name called in the early picks of the 2026 NFL Draft, there’s a lot of praise – along with question marks – surrounding the 20-year-old consensus All-American.

Reese obviously proved he’s one of the most talented players in the country this past season with the Ohio State Buckeyes. Reese notched 6. 5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss, establishing himself as a pass-rushing threat after beginning his career as an inside linebacker (MIKE).

Reese is expected to be a top-five pick and the first edge rusher taken off the board along with Texas Tech’s David Bailey. The 6-foot-4, 241-pound Reese is aware of the concern over his lack of experience playing the edge, but he’s not bothered by it. “For those questioning it, it’s life,” said Reese in a one-on-one interview.

“Some people are going to question stuff. Everybody gets questions about something. I really don’t know what I'd say to them, but people are going to question everything you do in life.