New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh expressed strong approval of first-round draft pick Arvell Reese following the team’s first padded training camp practice in August 2026, highlighting the rookie linebacker’s defensive impact, sharp football instincts, and minimal errors since arriving at camp.
The New York Giants officially launched their training camp under head coach John Harbaugh, putting early scrutiny on his top selection from the 2026 NFL draft. Selected fifth overall, linebacker Arvell Reese entered the professional ranks as a prospect who was shockingly still on the board when the Giants made their pick, proving too talented to pass up.
Training Camp Standout Performance
During the team’s first padded practice session on a Monday in August 2026, Reese immediately drew the attention of reporters and coaches alike. The rookie linebacker made his presence felt by stuffing running backs at the line of scrimmage, disrupting pass coverage plays, and recording a sack against quarterback Jaxson Dart, as reporters at the practice singled out the defender as the main attraction.
That multifaceted defensive disruption validated the decision to spend the fifth overall choice on the former prospect. Head coach John Harbaugh shared his assessment of the rookie’s progress with reporters after the session.
“Very encouraged. I think he looked good today from what I could see. I can’t wait to see the tape, but he’s playing really well. He’s been playing well the whole camp since he got here.”
John Harbaugh, New York Giants Head Coach
Harbaugh also pointed to the rookie’s mental approach and preparation behind the scenes, noting that his production extends far beyond raw physical ability.
“You see the talent, obviously. I think he’s very sharp for a first-year guy. He gets things right pretty much all the time, makes very few mistakes. He’s a very serious-minded guy, and he’s very determined. I mean, he’s doing things well.”
John Harbaugh, New York Giants Head Coach
Defensive Scheme and Personnel Integration
When the Giants drafted Reese, questions emerged regarding his exact deployment within a front-seven rotation that already featured edge rushers Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and 2025 first-round pick Abdul Carter. General manager Joe Schoen and Harbaugh clarified their intentions early, opting to utilize Reese as an off-ball linebacker alongside veterans like Tremaine Edmunds.
The integration of Reese comes as the Giants defense attempts to rebound from a difficult 2025 campaign under former defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. With Dennard Wilson now directing the defense, expectations inside the organization are high for a significant unit-wide turnaround during the 2026 season.
Upcoming 2026 Regular Season Schedule
As Reese transitions his strong training camp performances toward upcoming preseason matchups, the team’s regular-season schedule looms large. The Giants open their 2026 campaign at home against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 8:20 p.m. ET, followed by a Monday night road game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 21.