COLUMBUS, Ohio \u2014 Arvell Reese could be the first defensive player off the board during the first round of the NFL draft on April 23 in Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n
What You Need To Know<\/p>\n
Scouts and defensive coaches praise Reese for his versatility
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Reese was named the Big Ten\u2019s Linebacker of the Year and was the first AP All-America at Ohio State since James Laurinaitis was a three-time selection from 2006 through \u201908
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Reese worked out as a linebacker at the combine but did defensive line end and edge rusher drills at Ohio State\u2019s pro day<\/p>\n
There isn\u2019t a clear consensus, though, on the best position for the Ohio State linebacker.<\/p>\n
Scouts and defensive coaches praise Reese for his versatility. Most think he can develop into an elite pass rusher, while others envision him more as an off-ball linebacker.<\/p>\n
As for where Reese feels he is the best fit, he will leave that up to the team that selects him.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast year, I played everywhere from inside linebackers to SAM (outside) to edge (rusher), so I was comfortable everywhere. My whole role wasn\u2019t stationed in one spot. I had to be comfortable in every situation,\u201d Reese said after his workout at Ohio State\u2019s pro day on March 25. \u201cIt changes each team, so it depends on the system and how the defensive coordinator thinks he\u2019ll use me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reese was an edge rusher and middle linebacker his first two seasons with the Buckeyes, but it was Matt Patricia\u2019s arrival as defensive coordinator last year that unlocked Reese\u2019s full potential. Patricia lined up Reese as a joker defender, which is a hybrid linebacker\/edge rusher who can play on the edge or move inside to spy on the quarterback or contain opposing running backs.<\/p>\n
The role also suited Reese perfectly. He was second on the Buckeyes with 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 6 1\/2 sacks, as the unit led the nation in total and scoring defense.<\/p>\n
Reese was named the Big Ten\u2019s Linebacker of the Year and was the first AP All-America at Ohio State since James Laurinaitis was a three-time selection from 2006 through \u201908. Laurinaitis was also Reese\u2019s position coach.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think he was able to show the variety and skill set that he has to be able to play all those positions,\u201d Patricia said.<\/p>\n
Besides his athletic potential, Patricia noted one thing overlooked about Reese: his football acumen.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s the explosive power and that raw ability that he showed last year, but a lot of those calls he made on the field. And I think you see there that football IQ is at a high level,\u201d Patricia said.<\/p>\n
Reese worked out as a linebacker at the combine but did defensive line end and edge rusher drills at Ohio State\u2019s pro day.<\/p>\n
The New York Jets, who have the second overall pick, had general manager Darren Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn at the pro day.<\/p>\n
Arizona GM Monti Ossenfort said during the combine that the biggest thing with Reese was to take advantage of what he does best. The Cardinals have the third overall pick.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the case of Arvell, he\u2019s played off the ball, which was really good. And then he\u2019s played on the line of scrimmage, which was really good too. But usually, you\u2019d value higher really the pass rush. So if you can pass rush, you let them line up on the line of scrimmage and pass rush,\u201d Ossenfort said.<\/p>\n
Reese is often compared to Green Bay\u2019s Micah Parsons in terms of potential and similar routes in transitioning from linebacker to pass rusher. Reese won\u2019t turn 21 until Aug. 30, but also acknowledges he still has plenty to learn.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s much more room for improvement. I haven\u2019t even, in my eyes, started the process of learning how to pass rush and working on all those types of things,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Reese will be one of five Ohio State players who will be in the green room in Pittsburgh waiting for his name to be called. The Buckeyes could have four prospects taken in the top 10, which would be only the third time that has happened in the NFL draft. The last time it was done was in 1967 by Michigan State.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean, that would be amazing. I\u2019m very proud of their hard work, and I\u2019m excited about how they\u2019re working now to get ready for that next challenge,\u201d Patricia said. \u201cHowever the draft goes, it goes. That\u2019s something that I know from my NFL side. The most important thing is what you do when you get there.\u201d<\/p>\n
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