Arvell Reese declaring himself an outside linebacker/edge rusher should shorten his odds as a top-5 pick and increase betting interest from teams needing pass rush (Titans, Jets, Cardinals, Browns). A strong 40 time and good drills at the combine could further move draft futures and player-prop markets for sacks or top-10 selection.
INDIANAPOLIS -- Ohio State standout Arvell Reese told NFL teams at the combine he views himself as an outside linebacker/edge rusher, not an off-the-ball linebacker, signaling the role he wants at the next level and sharpening his draft profile.
Reese pushes for edge-rusher role
Reese, listed at 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, emphasized his desire to play on the edge. "I've been telling them I think I'm an outside linebacker/edge," he said, adding that he hasn't "even scratched the surface with really what I can do pass rushing." His college production — 69 tackles and 6.5 sacks last season — underpins the argument for a front-seven spot that maximizes his pass-rush potential.
Combine plans and testing focus
40-yard dash and position drills
Reese plans to run the 40-yard dash at the combine and will participate in both outside-linebacker/edge drills and off-the-ball linebacker work. Those timed events and on-field reps will be crucial for teams and evaluators deciding where he fits best at the next level.
Draft outlook and team meetings
Top-5 upside and team interest
Projected as a potential top-five pick, Reese has already met with multiple teams holding early selections. In meetings he was presented with defensive packages to test his mental processing and adaptability. Those interactions, plus his combine performance, will heavily influence draft boards and team decisions.
Player profile: strengths and work to do
Pass-rush blend and run defense
Reese describes his pass rush as a mix of "speed and power" and believes he showed the ability to set the edge against the run in college. He acknowledged he will need to add weight to handle NFL physicality at the edge.
Coaching influences and versatility
Reese credited Ohio State coaches for preparing him for the next level. Coaches highlighted his versatility by comparing his tape to former NFL players known for hybrid roles, reinforcing the idea that Reese can be molded into multiple front-seven positions.
What teams and bettors should watch
Reese's insistence on an edge role, combined with strong combine testing, could push teams in need of edge rushers to move for him on draft day.
For bettors, his public positioning and measurable testing may affect futures markets (top-5 selection) and team-specific draft props; a decisive showing in drills is likely to shorten odds.
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