A new mock draft from USA TODAY projects Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese as the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Reese, who has had a breakout campaign in his 2025 season, is predicted to go to the Tennessee Titans. Reese would act as a complement to defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons to supercharge the Titans’ defensive line.
USA TODAY writer Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz suggested that the Titans could convert Reese from a traditional linebacker in college to a primary edge rusher in the NFL.
“Though he operates as a linebacker for the Buckeyes, the 6-foot-4, 243-pounder has Micah Parsons-like movement abilities that could be best put to use in a full-time edge rushing role,” Middlehurst-Schwartz wrote.
Reese was projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in a mock draft done by The Athletic last week. The junior linebacker has 55 total tackles, 29 solo tackles and 6.5 sacks in the 2025 season through nine games, which greatly surpass his 2024 totals.
The next Buckeye projected in the USA TODAY mock draft is safety Caleb Downs at the No. 7 pick to the Miami Dolphins for his ability to transform a secondary and his versatile playmaking. Reese’s linebacker partner, Sonny Styles, was forecast to go No. 30 to the Denver Broncos in the same mock draft for his athleticism and speed, described as a “fun chess piece” for a defensive coordinator.
On offense, wide receiver Carnell Tate is projected in the mock draft No. 19 pick to the Cleveland Browns.
“It’s not often that teams can find 6-3, 195-pound receivers who exhibit advanced polish for their position while also averaging 18.2 yards per catch, much less in the back half of the first round,” Middlehurst-Schwartz said.