Ohio State standout Arvell Reese, considered one of the premier prospects in the upcoming April NFL draft, used his media session at the scouting combine on Wednesday to clarify how he views his position at the next level.
Speaking with reporters, Reese described himself as an “outside linebacker/edge” rusher, signaling his belief that his skill set is best utilized on the perimeter of a defense, attacking the backfield and setting the edge against the run. His comments offer teams and fans a clearer sense of how he envisions fitting into an NFL scheme, particularly in systems that rely on hybrid defenders who can both rush the passer and drop into coverage when needed.
Reese’s self-assessment as an outside linebacker and edge defender aligns with the modern defensive emphasis on versatility. Around the league, players at that spot are often asked to threaten quarterbacks off the edge, play in space against tight ends and running backs, and shift between two-point and three-point stances depending on formation and play call. By identifying himself in this way, Reese is positioning his profile firmly within that evolving role.
At Ohio State, Reese emerged as one of the program’s most highly regarded defenders, drawing attention from scouts for his combination of athleticism, length, and explosiveness. While individual testing numbers and on-field workout results from the combine will further shape evaluations, his positional declaration helps frame how coaches and general managers might project him within their depth charts and defensive packages.
The NFL combine often serves as a stage for prospects not only to perform physically but also to communicate directly with teams about how they see their own games. Reese’s statement underscores his confidence in handling edge responsibilities and the multiple tasks assigned to outside linebackers in contemporary defenses.
As draft preparations continue and teams conduct interviews, medical evaluations, and scheme-specific assessments, Reese’s clear stance on his preferred role adds another data point to his overall profile. With his reputation as one of the top prospects in this year’s class already established, his positional identity as an outside linebacker and edge rusher will remain a central part of how he is discussed leading up to draft day.
