Ohio State's Reese Defends Versatility Ahead of NFL Draft
Former Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese is making his case to NFL scouts, arguing that his dual-position versatility should be viewed as an asset rather than a liability as teams prepare for the upcoming draft.
During combine interviews, Reese addressed concerns from scouts who worry that his time split between EDGE rusher and off-ball linebacker positions may have prevented him from mastering either role completely.
"I think I played both positions pretty decent. I know I got a lot to get better at EDGE and a lot to get better at linebacker, but I'm pretty decent at both positions I think," Reese stated during his interviews.
Proven College Performance
At Ohio State, Reese demonstrated remarkable adaptability, functioning as an off-ball linebacker on early downs in four-lineman sets while excelling as one of the team's most reliable run stoppers. His statistical output speaks volumes: 69 total tackles and 10 tackles for loss this season.
His downfield speed and intelligence allowed him to consistently diagnose and disrupt running plays, while his blitzing ability through the A and B gaps created consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
In pass coverage, Reese showed competence with two pass breakups, holding his ground against tight ends and running backs. However, analysts note he'll need refinement to handle the NFL's more athletic receiving threats.
Pass Rush Prowess
As an EDGE rusher, Reese evolved into one of the nation's premier pass rushers, recording 6.5 sacks while maintaining consistent pressure. His combination of speed to beat tackles around the edge and power to fight through blocks made him a dual threat.
The transition to professional football will likely require physical development. Scouts suggest Reese needs to add 20-30 pounds to handle NFL-caliber offensive linemen while maintaining the athleticism that makes him special.
Market Value and Projection
Despite concerns about positional definition, Reese's skill set draws comparisons to Pittsburgh's T.J. Watt, a versatile defender who excels at pass rushing and run defense while occasionally dropping into coverage.
For NFL organizations willing to maximize his versatility rather than force him into a single role, Reese represents significant value. His adaptability could prove especially valuable in today's increasingly complex defensive schemes.
Draft analysts suggest Reese's combination of proven production and positional flexibility shouldn't prevent him from selection as high as second overall, provided teams approach his development strategically rather than trying to pigeonhole him into a traditional role.
The key for Reese's professional success will be finding an organization that views his versatility as a competitive advantage rather than a developmental challenge.