Arvell Reese's Pro Day workout sparks polarizing reaction from Jets fans

Potential New York Jets draft prospect Arvell Reese was among many Buckeyes working out at Ohio State Pro Day on Wednesday, and it sparked a totally normal reaction across social media from fans and analysts alike.

Reese's workout was compared to Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr., another top pass-rushing prospect in the 2026 class, who was able to show more "bend" and got lower when moving around a tackling dummy.

The conversation around Reese is a complex one. He expects to get drafted in the top five thanks to his projection as an edge rusher in the NFL, despite mostly playing off-ball linebacker for most of his collegiate career. He receives comparisons to Micah Parsons, who was a similar style player at Penn State.

But it seems like everyone needs to take a deep breath regarding Reese's workout; there's more nuance and context in that five-second clip of the guy working out in gym shorts.

Arvell Reese's Pro Day causes mass Jets hysteria

The Athletic's Ted Nguyen pointed out that Reese and Bain weren't even doing the same drill. The Buckeye was working out as a linebacker, while the Hurricane was doing it as a defensive end.

Despite the clarification from some of the experts, it hasn't prevented people like UStadium's Frankie Vitz from drawing a line in the sand about Reese not being worth the No. 2 overall pick.

The controversy around Reese will likely persist until he finally suits up for the 2026 season. His minimal experience as a full-time pass rusher is concerning, but his production can't be denied.

Despite only 119 true pass rush reps, the Buckeye generated 22% pass rush win-rate, recording 6.5 sacks and 27 pressures. His freaky athleticism should only help his development as he continues to grow. It feels important to note that he'll have just turned 21 by Week 1.

Where the conversation around the No. 2 overall pick has merit is the fact that a lot of Reese's draft stock comes from his potential as a player. Texas Tech's David Bailey is arguably the best pure pass rusher in the incoming class, and Reese has yet to hit his ceiling.

Is it risky to take a player based on things he hasn't achieved yet? Yes. But does that prospect have Defensive Player of the Year potential if he hits that ceiling? Also, yes.

If the Jets do decide to take a swing on Reese in April, it'll be thanks to his traits and upside, not because of some workout in February or March. Even if he doesn't fully develop into the pass rusher some expect him to be, they would likely still be getting an elite linebacker.

Is that worth the No. 2 pick in the draft? That's for Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn to decide.