Giants Rookie Arvell Reese Strong Favorite For DROY After Performance Against Eagles

by Robert BluteNovember 11, 2026, 3:02 pm >

New York Giants rookie Arvell Reese is making his mark after a standout performance against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Reese was the fifth overall pick in last year’s draft and is proving why he went so high. He was drafted out of Ohio State and has emerged as the favorite to win the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

He had 12 tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble in the 19-11 win over the Eagles. The performance has people talking about his presence on defense, especially after he became the first player in the NFL this season to record multiple sacks in a game while lined up as an inside linebacker.

His forced fumble and sack of QB Joe Milton III, whom the Eagles acquired earlier this year in response to Jalen Hurts’ health incident, was the fastest recorded sack this season. From the snap to the hit, it took just 2.29 seconds. “Man, this is free as a layup. Can’t miss it,” said the linebacker regarding the sack.

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Even though he went unblocked, the sack still proved crucial no matter how easy it was. Micah McFadden‘s fumble recovery helped the Giants secure a rare win against the Eagles.

Head coach John Harbaugh praised the young talent for his humility and hard work. “He’s a great leader in his own quiet way,” Harbaugh said, adding, ” He wants to do things the right way.”

Reese seems like one of the bright spots for the Giants’ future. The hope is to keep their young core healthy for an entire year; only then can we see their full potential.