Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) reacts during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Cardinals Showing Interest in Polarizing Draft Prospect

Originally posted on Arizona Cardinals on SI
By Donnie Druin | Last updated Apr 3, 2026 5:18 PM ET

The Arizona Cardinals continue their 2026 NFL Draft prep with an interesting meeting on the radar.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Cardinals were one of many teams to visit with Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese.

Ohio State LB Arvell Reese has had Top 30 visits with the #Jets, #AZCardinals, #Titans, #Giants, #Chiefs, and #Cowboys, per me and @MikeGarafolo. @MoveTheSticks has Reese as the No. 2 pick by NYJ in his latest mock draft. pic.twitter.com/x62biYcw30
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 3, 2026

Reese is one of the draft's more polarizing prospects thanks to his versatility as an inside linebacker and edge rusher. With that potential, he's highly expected to be a top five pick but is currently being penciled in to No. 2 at New York.

Arizona previously has swung and missed on former "versatile" prospects such as Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons, which does give Cardinals fans plenty of pause.

However, Reese is his own prospect/profile and should be treated as such.

Arizona has also showed interest in other top pass rushers such as David Bailey and Rueben Bain Jr. this draft cycle. After not making any additions to the room, many believe the Cardinals will utilize their third overall pick at the position.

That will be needed, as Josh Sweat is far and away the only consistent pass rush presence at outside linebacker. With defensive coordinator Nick Rallis returning with a base 3-4 defense, they'll need a more suitable presence to get after the quarterback.

This article first appeared on Arizona Cardinals on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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