GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals hold the highly-coveted third pick in the 2026 NFL draft and met with one of the top prospects in the draft. General manager Monti Ossenfort made an appearance at the NFL Draft Combine and stated the team isn’t even sure it’ll stay at their pick. However, if they remain, the Cardinals could be looking at Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, who they met with on day one of the combine.

Reese stated that the meeting went “good” and wouldn’t dived further into the interaction. The New York Jets, who hold the second pick, met with Reese and had discussions about possible positions he could play in the NFL.

Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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Reese on what position he wants to play in NFL:

Many mock drafts have Reese going to New York, but if he slips to Arizona, Ossenfort will have to seriously consider taking the All-American. The Cardinals were 28th in sacks last season, with 30 on the year. Josh Sweat and Calais Campbell combined for 18.5 of those sacks, illustrating the lack of production from the supporting cast of the defense.

The 20-yera-old seems open to playing edge in the league, and at 6’4, 243 pounds, he certainly has the frame to make an impact. During his junior season, Reese had 6.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss. He was second on the Buckeyes in tackles and sacks.

Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort speaks to the press from the Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe after the decision to fire head coach Jonathan Gannon on Jan. 5, 2026. Syndication: Arizona Republic

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Ossenfort has had a tendency of drafting players from Ohio State: Paris Johnson Jr. in 2023, Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2024, Cody Simon and Denzel Burke in 2025. The fourth-year Cardinals GM looks at prospects coming from stellar programs that already have the foundation paved out to become a great player in Arizona. Reese would be a monster help to an anemic pass rush and be a superb start to the Mike LaFleur era in the Valley.

Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports