Three Teams That Should Trade Up for Ohio State's Arvell Reese in the 2026 NFL Draft

Reese's impressive NFL Combine workout has scouts eager to land the versatile linebacker-edge rusher hybrid

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Arvell Reese, a standout linebacker from Ohio State, has emerged as one of the hottest prospects leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft. After an outstanding performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, Reese is projected as a hybrid linebacker with the potential to transition to a full-time edge rusher role. This article identifies three teams - the New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, and Cincinnati Bengals - that should consider trading up to secure Reese's services in the upcoming draft.

Why it matters

Reese's unique skill set as a versatile linebacker-edge rusher makes him a highly coveted prospect. The three teams mentioned currently pick outside of Reese's projected draft range, so they may need to trade up to have a chance at landing the Ohio State star and bolster their defensive units.

The details

The New Orleans Saints, picking 8th overall, could see Reese as an ideal fit for their 3-4 defensive scheme, where he could learn from veteran pass rushers like Cam Jordan. The Kansas City Chiefs, picking 9th, are looking to upgrade their pass rush after disappointing seasons from Felix Anudike-Uzomah and George Karlaftis. The Cincinnati Bengals, picking 10th, need to address their edge rush after losing Trey Hendrickson in free agency and getting limited production from recent draft picks Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Arvell Reese

A standout linebacker from Ohio State University who is projected as a hybrid linebacker-edge rusher with a high ceiling in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Cam Jordan

The all-time sack leader for the New Orleans Saints, who is currently a free agent.

Chase Young

A defensive end for the New Orleans Saints, who is a converted defensive end.

Carl Granderson

A defensive end for the New Orleans Saints, who is also a converted defensive end.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah

A defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs, who has struggled with just 3 sacks in 3 NFL seasons.

George Karlaftis

A defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs, who had a disappointing 6-sack season in 2025.

Micah Parsons

A linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys who has successfully transitioned to a full-time edge rusher role.

Abdul Carter

A linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles who has also made the transition to a full-time edge rusher.

Trey Hendrickson

A former defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals who left the team in free agency this offseason.

Shemar Stewart

A defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals who had just 1 sack in his rookie season.

Myles Murphy

A defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals who has compiled just 8.5 sacks over 3 NFL seasons.

Bofe Maye

A defensive end signed by the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency this offseason.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, 2026, where teams will look to trade up to secure Arvell Reese's services.

The takeaway

Arvell Reese's impressive NFL Combine performance has elevated him into the conversation as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2026 draft class. The New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, and Cincinnati Bengals are all in need of pass-rushing help and should seriously consider trading up to land the versatile Ohio State star.