The Washington Commanders need edge speed, and NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah believes that he has the solution. In his latest mock draft, Jeremiah believes the franchise will select former Ohio State edge/outside linebacker Arvell Reese with the No. 7 pick.
While the team notched 42 sacks last season, the glaring need for boundary athleticism has become increasingly evident. Not only is Dan Quinn a defense-first coach, but his new defensive coordinator, Daronte Jones, also needs speed up front to make his defense succeed. Jeremiah delivered his reasoning here:
“Reese provides Washington some explosiveness and versatility. He might be a tougher projection than some of the other pass rushers in this year’s draft, given that he split time between edge rusher and off-ball linebacker for the Buckeyes. Reese has the highest upside of the group, though.”
While the 2025 All-American and national champion tallied just seven career sacks, the film shows his best immediate trait: speed. In this clip, you can see Reese screaming off the edge and providing excellent closing speed, barreling towards the quarterback.
Listed at six-foot-four and 243 pounds, Reese may lack the proper weight for his position, but he does possess decent power when executing moves like the bull rush. Plus, with his angular frame, he can probably gain weight without sacrificing explosion. Also, at 20 years of age, he still has growing years ahead of him.
With his long arms, Reese is a pass-rush blank slate for the Commanders. Moves like the rip, swim, and spin moves can be added to his arsenal. Right now, he wins based on his athletic advantages. With sound coaching and drill work, he will be able to evolve into a very good pass rusher.
GettyArvell Reese takes on a Michigan block during a November 29, 2025 game.
Experience at Two Positions Will Muddy Positional Application
Is Reese an edge rusher or a box linebacker? The answer appears to be both. While he can knife into the backfield and wreak havoc, the former Buckeye could give the Commanders a player who can run sideline-to-sideline, chasing down ball carriers. The prototypical three-down player, Reese can cover based on his speed, also shoot the gaps, and meet the ball carrier on the opposite side of the offensive line.
Let Arvell Reese rush the passer pic.twitter.com/fmLrUj09B5
— Drew Beatty (@IronCityFilm) February 11, 2026
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Reese’s Skillset Could Look Familiar to Quinn
During his tenure as the Dallas Cowboys‘ defensive coordinator, the Commanders’ head coach helped unleash Micah Parsons’ talents. Parsons, while considered an edge rusher, actually plays a positionless spot.
Meaning, he can line up at outside linebacker, as either a SAM or WILL, or kick inside to middle linebacker. Moreover, he can push his hand in the dirt and excel as a traditional defensive end. Reese’s speed and power ceiling present a similar opportunity. As a result, he could become too tempting to pass up.
GettyOhio State linebacker Arvell Reese makes a tackle against Western Michigan in 2024
Washington Faces a Conundrum of Upside
Granted, there will be more polished defenders in the draft. Players who have refined their game and honed their skills to immediately compete at the next level. At the same time, Reese’s upside appears higher than that of the other edge rushers in this draft. Washington needs to make peace with the fact that the prospect will immediately contribute while finding his way as a rusher.
Arvell Reese 69 Tackles, 6.5 Sacks 2025 Season Highlights.pic.twitter.com/YZYYsg8Uqq https://t.co/rtcIj9QeBk
— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) February 17, 2026
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