The New York Giants are currently 5-2-1, sitting atop the NFC East, with a chance to extend their division lead on Thursday Night Football against the Washington Commanders.
As the Giants’ season continues to progress, one thing has become abundantly clear: Arvell Reese is a star. The rookie linebacker is proving he was a steal in the draft, and he might even be the best rookie in the NFL this season.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell is predicting Reese to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award over fellow New York rookie David Bailey. The reason why? Barnwell highlighted how Reese is essentially two players in one.
Arvell Reese is predicted to win Defensive Rookie of the Year over David Bailey
“Picking between Bailey and Reese is unfair. I leaned Reese if only because he has been two impactful players in one,” Barnwell writes.
While Bailey is deserving of this NFL award as well, there’s a reason why Reese is the favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year right now.
Not only is Reese playing at a high level as an off-ball linebacker, both in pass coverage and when it comes to tackling, but he’s also a force in the pass-rushing game.
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This season, he has 4.5 sacks and 14 pressures, with his performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 9 where he accumulated three sacks in a game that showed how great he can actually be.
While he’s had some growing pains here and there, like every rookie has, there’s no denying that Reese is one of the best rookies in the NFL, if not the best rookie so far this season.
Barnwell’s prediction for the Defensive Rookie of the Year race leans in favor of Reese, the Giants’ superstar rookie linebacker.
He’s only scratched the surface of his sky-high potential, and it looks like the Giants nailed this pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
