New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh expressed high praise for rookie linebacker Arvell Reese during the team’s first padded training camp practice. Selected fifth overall in the 2026 NFL draft, Reese has quickly impressed the coaching staff with his football intelligence and immediate impact on the defensive front.
Arvell Reese Shines Early in Giants Training Camp
The New York Giants officially opened their first training camp under John Harbaugh, and the team’s top draft pick is already turning heads as the squad puts on pads for the summer. Reporters tracking the sessions singled out the rookie linebacker as the main attraction during the team’s initial padded practice on a Monday.
Reese made his presence felt across multiple facets of the defense. During the workout, he stuffed running backs at the line of scrimmage, made plays in pass coverage, and recorded a sack against Jaxson Dart. That multifaceted disruption was precisely why the prospect was prized ahead of the draft, where he unexpectedly remained on the board until the Giants used the fifth overall pick on him.
“Very encouraged. 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.”
John Harbaugh, New York Giants head coach
Praise for Football Smarts and Serious Mindset
Beyond physical talent, the coaching staff has taken note of how quickly the young defender has grasped complex defensive schemes. Harbaugh highlighted the linebacker’s sharp instincts and dedication in comments distributed through a team transcript.
“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.”
John Harbaugh, New York Giants head coach
When the Giants drafted Reese, questions lingered regarding his fit within a crowded front seven that already featured pass rushers like Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and 2025 first-round pick Abdul Carter. Team leadership ultimately settled on deploying him as an off-ball linebacker, where his speed and instincts could be maximized.
Defensive Outlook Under New Leadership
The addition of Reese arrives as the Giants look to overhaul a defense that severely underperformed the previous season under defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. With Dennard Wilson now directing the defense, expectations are high for a major turnaround.
Reese joins a talented group on the back end of the front seven, including Tremaine Edmunds. With training camp underway, the rookie’s performance positions him to transition smoothly into upcoming preseason games and the regular season schedule, which kicks off on Sunday, September 13, against the Dallas Cowboys.
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