Arvell Reese Shines as Giants Prepare for Jets

For the upcoming four days leading up to the Giants’ preseason game against the Jets, Arvell Reese is definitely in the spotlight. This attention, of course, comes after the Jets decided against drafting him second overall back in April, opting for David Bailey instead. The Giants then chose Reese just three picks later. It’s an interesting dynamic, isn’t it?

Within the context of the current training camp, Reese has really established himself as an essential part of the Giants’ defense. In fact, he added another two total tackles during their preseason game on Saturday, which really speaks to his growing role.

At this point, he’s sitting second among defensive rookies in terms of the best PFF grade through two preseason games, boasting a solid score of 88.2. Only Rueben Bain Jr. from the Buccaneers is ahead of him with 88.8.

“He hasn’t really missed a beat at all,” Coach John Harbaugh commented. “He learns very quickly, and executes the defenses really well. And when he doesn’t quite get it, he’s all ears, taking in the coaching and making sure to apply it next time. He’s making a lot of progress really fast.”

Reese has already found his footing as an inside linebacker next to Tremaine Edmunds, marking two new faces in the Giants’ defense. They actually performed quite impressively during a joint practice in Miami last week.

However, Harbaugh noted the real test will come when Reese steps onto the field for regular-season games. “So, after that Cowboys game in Week 1, I think it’ll be a big step for him, as in, ‘Oh, okay, this is kind of how I need to approach this,’” Harbaugh elaborated.

After Monday’s practice, Harbaugh engaged with his leadership group, which is formed by player votes. Among those seen were Jaxson Dart, Jameis Winston, and Brian Burns, just to name a few.

Harbaugh mentioned he had a similar leadership group with the Ravens. He believes it’s important for players to feel they can approach anyone in the organization. This team of players can also serve as a sounding board for any concerns that might be on a teammate’s mind.

“Just in-house stuff,” Harbaugh remarked about their Monday meeting. “It really isn’t anything that I want to share, and I don’t think it would be very interesting. Just schedules and preferences, things like that.”

In a light-hearted moment, he joked that they requested a pool table, to which he responded, “We might get a golf simulator if we win enough games.”

Regarding the trade of offensive lineman Daniel Faalele to the Jaguars for a sixth-round pick, Harbaugh said that while the immediate impact might not seem significant, acquiring late-round picks is essential for future drafts.

As it stands, back in April, the Giants only had three picks on the final day of the draft, all in the sixth round.

“Honestly, if we could, we’d do it as much as we possibly could,” Harbaugh stated when asked if the Giants might consider more trades in the coming weeks. “We want to seize opportunities as they arise. We have some depth in a few positions, so who knows? It doesn’t happen often, but maybe it will.”

In terms of health updates, RT Jermaine Eluemunor and RG Francis Mauigoa, who sat out Monday’s practice due to a stinger, are expected to return on Tuesday. TE Theo Johnson did leave the field after a collision, but Harbaugh seemed optimistic that he would be alright.