NFL analyst has strong thoughts about Giants' Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles draft decision

Before the 2026 NFL Draft got underway, numerous mock drafts and analysts linked the New York Giants with Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles. That said, such takes were based on the idea that Ohio State defensive star Arvell Reese wouldn't fall to the Giants at pick No. 5. 

In the end, the Giants happily grabbed Reese, while Styles went to the rival Washington Commanders via the draft's seventh selection. During an appearance on the latest edition of the "Giants Huddle" podcast, retired quarterback and current NFL analyst Chris Simms spoke about Big Blue's draft decision. 

Chris Simms has strong feelings about Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles

"And I’m here to tell you that Arvell Reese is a better linebacker than Sonny Styles every day of the week and twice on Sunday," Simms said, per NJ Advance Media. 

Well-known draft guru Dane Brugler of The Athletic agrees, as Brugler named Reese the best overall player of this year's draft class. However, Kevin Clark of ESPN raised some eyebrows when he said in April that he thinks Styles will eventually become the best player selected in this year's draft. 

Additionally, some have criticized the Giants for spending a high-value draft asset on an advertised pass-rusher when the club already has Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and 2025 first-round draft pick Abdul Carter on the roster. The Giants seemingly don't plan to sell Thibodeaux at a discounted price before the upcoming season gets underway, and New York reportedly will move Reese around to "exploit his versatility as much as possible" on gamedays.  

Why Chris Simms likes Arvell Reese over Sonny Styles

"He’s young," Simms added about Reese. "I mean, he plays physical. He’s got incredible instincts. He’s an amazing open-field tackler. He’s a specimen." 

As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Reese third among the betting favorites at +650 odds to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award for the 2026 season. To compare, Styles was right next on the list at +750 odds ahead of the weekend. 

Reese-versus-Styles debates could make for fascinating conversations among rival fans for as long as the two are employed by their current teams.