Position: Joker
Height: 6’5
Weight: 245
Stats: 2025 (6 games) – 38 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 2 PBU, 16 pressures, 19 stops, 102.8 QBR allowed
Class/Age: RS Sophomore, 21
Team: Ohio State
Positives:
Reese is a joker, he can provide elite juice as a pass rusher while also providing phenomenal traits as a weak/strong side linebacker off the ball. After logging all 309 snaps in 2024 at linebacker, Reese has transitioned to an OTTO role in 2025 under former NFL DC and head coach Matt Patricia. This season, Reese has logged 128 snaps at EDGE and 156 at linebacker. Showcasing exceptional length, Reese is able to disrupt lanes in the run game and drive lineman backwards into the running lane. Additionally, Reese displays elite strength in both his lower and upper body which allows him to anchor and shed both blocks from TE and RB with ease. Reese has a quick twitch and elite bend that allows for him to be a highly productive pass rusher, his hands are violent and heavy at the POA to pair with long arms that allow for him to jab and run vertically to collapse the pocket. Reese has exceptional lateral agility and can work to stunt and get horizontal to track the QB and running backs in the backfield to make plays at or behind the LOS. Reese has quick feet and elite athleticism with a recorded 4.47 40 yard dash. At ILB Reese has the ability to run sideline to sideline and cover ground quickly, he displays a quick trigger and elite instincts as a run defender with the ability to violently come downhill and make plays on the LOS. Reese’s footwork and fluid hips show in coverage, where his technique need to improve a touch and they will with NFL coaching. As an athlete, Reese has the ability to flip and run stride for stride with receivers, tight ends, and running backs with physicality and strength. Reese plays the receiver and can make plays on the ball as well. Reese is clearly highly instinctual and has a strong football IQ, where he’s able to quickly jump plays and understands opponents running concepts and pass concepts at an elite level often taking away multiple rushing lanes and pass options by himself. As a pass rusher, Reese shows the ability to anchor, drive and maintain strength against tackles in the run game, he converts speed to power and showcases an exceptional bag of pass rush moves for someone with such limited playtime at the position. Reese is also just an imposing figure at ILB or EDGE, Reese has a phenomenal frame with tons of muscle mass, length, and a strong lower half.
Weakness:
Teams will need to figure out where Reese fits best, creative defensive coordinators can utilize Reese as an OTTO likely splitting his time 60-40 between linebacker and pass rusher which will allow him to constantly make impacts on both levels. Additionally, there’s the potential that Reese is a full time pass rusher and would likely be one of the best EDGE rushers in the NFL within 2 years due to his athleticism, violent playstyle, and strength combinations. At linebacker, Reese can be too aggressive at times where he will explode through gap and forgo his assignment, it often works but in the NFL it’s likely to work less and could create large cut back lanes for runningbacks. Additionally, Reese will loose responsibility during roll outs and option concepts causing for large gains in both aspects. Reese will need to improve his technique as a pass rusher refining a third pass rush move, but at the moment his rip and swim moves should provide immediate NFL success. In coverage, Reese will struggle to change directions in man coverage against shifty running backs and receivers which could be a struggle at times. Reese will be often too aggressive in coverage and can bite on double moves while also getting stuck on watching the QB causing a receiver to run free in zone coverage. Reese will need to develop a better feel for cover grass not players and can often overpurse a zone drop and cause for someone to get free over the middle of the field.
Grade: 1.21 – Early Round 1
Pro-Comp: Micah Parsons at EDGE – Will play similar position to Andrew Van Ginkle (better production)
Reese will translate, he’s an elite athlete with phenomenal foot quickness and fluid hips/feet. There’s a wonder of if Reese will transition to a full time pass rusher while maintaining the ability to zone drop in coverage which would be likely his best fit. However, there’s also the ability for Reese to play 60/40 or 70/30 between EDGE and LB which will allow him to impact the game in multiple aspects. The Raiders could benefit from Reese especially with the teams want of dropping pass rushers into coverage. Reese would provide a spark at both EDGE becoming a full time pass rusher and could develop into the best on the roster, yes better than Crosby. Reese will translate immediately in the NFL, he’s going to need to refine technique and adjust to the speed of the game but due to his elite instincts and athleticism that adjustment shouldn’t be difficult.
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