The New York Giants made a significant move in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with the fifth overall pick. The selection came as the Giants held two picks within the top 10 of the draft.

With the fifth pick, the Giants faced a choice among three Ohio State players: Reese, safety Caleb Downs, and linebacker Sonny Styles. The Giants ultimately selected Reese, prioritizing his defensive contributions over his teammates.

The selection of Reese may also signal trade interest in edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, who was the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The Giants bolstered their defensive line in 2025 by selecting edge rusher Abdul Carter with the third overall pick.

The addition of Reese is expected to further strengthen the Giants' defense, which showed improvement in 2024. Reese's collegiate performance was exceptional, as he recorded 69 tackles, 10 sacks, and 6.5 tackles for loss during the 2024 season, his third with Ohio State. His standout play earned him consensus All-American honors and the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year award.