The 2026 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and one name that is generating significant buzz is Arvell Reese, the Ohio State linebacker who has become a hot commodity in the draft process. As the draft board takes shape, Reese has attracted the attention of several top-tier teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, who have placed him on their list of Top 30 pre-draft visits.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Reese has met with a number of teams including the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, and Dallas Cowboys. Notably, Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network has Reese as the No. 2 overall pick in his latest mock draft, a testament to how high Reese’s stock has risen leading up to the draft.

With the Cowboys holding two first-round picks at No. 12 and No. 20, they find themselves in a win-now position. They need players who can make an immediate impact, and the question is whether Reese, who is expected to go earlier than the No. 12 pick, might be in the cards for Dallas if a trade is on the horizon.

A Trade to Move Up: Cowboys Eyeing Arvell Reese

The idea of the Dallas Cowboys moving up from No. 12 and No. 20 to grab Reese at No. 2 overall is gaining traction, particularly with the Jets reportedly in rebuilding mode. While the Jets may be looking to position themselves for a top quarterback selection in the 2027 NFL Draft, the Cowboys could look to capitalize on the opportunity to trade their first-round picks for a chance to select Reese—a player many analysts see as a future star edge rusher.

Reese, a 6-foot-4, 241-pound edge rusher, has been widely regarded as one of the top players in the draft, with 22 out of 32 mock drafts slotting him in the top 5, and the lowest being at No. 7 to the Washington Commanders. The Cowboys would have to offer a substantial trade package to the Jets to move up, but with the urgency to stay competitive in the NFC, this trade may make sense for both teams.

Arvell Reese’s Potential Role with the Cowboys

Should the Cowboys successfully acquire Reese, his impact could be immediate. With the departure of Micah Parsons—traded to the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 season—there is now a vacancy at edge rusher for the Cowboys, a key position that Reese could fill. Reese’s combination of size, speed, and agility makes him an ideal candidate to step in and make an immediate impact on the defensive line.

Reese’s performance at the NFL Scouting Combine only reinforced his status as a top-tier prospect, running an impressive 4.46-second 40-yard dash, a time that blew scouts away. His explosive speed, combined with his ability to rush the passer, would give the Cowboys the edge they need to maintain their defensive prowess.

Moreover, Reese’s leadership and experience, including winning a College Football Playoff national championship in 2024 and being named Big Ten Linebacker of the Year in 2025, make him not just a physical talent, but a leader in the locker room. His ability to mentor younger players and add depth to the Cowboys’ defensive unit could be a key factor in their Super Bowl aspirations.

Why Reese Wants to Be an Edge Rusher

Reese’s desire to play as an edge rusher rather than an inside linebacker comes down to financial motivation. The highest-paid inside linebacker in the NFL, Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers, is making about $21 million per year on his three-year, $63 million contract. In contrast, edge rushers command a significantly higher salary, as evidenced by Micah Parsons’ contract with the Packers. Parsons, one of the best edge rushers in the game, signed a four-year, $186 million contract worth a staggering $46.5 million per year.

Reese is clearly aware of the financial incentives tied to the edge rusher position and is positioning himself for a lucrative future by opting for that role. The potential to earn a top-tier contract is one of the key reasons why Reese’s decision to enter the NFL as an edge rusher rather than a linebacker is both logical and financially savvy.

Mixed Reactions: The Debate Over Reese’s Value

Not everyone is sold on Reese’s abilities as an edge rusher. Skip Bayless, the outspoken former Fox Sports analyst, expressed doubts about Reese’s ability to live up to the hype, especially when compared to Texas Tech’s David Bailey, another edge rusher considered a top prospect. “I know Bailey can rush the passer. I don’t know about Arvell Reese,” Bayless said in a March 30 broadcast.

While Bayless’ comments reflect some skepticism about Reese, the majority of analysts are confident in his ability to dominate at the next level. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism, along with his leadership and experience, has made him one of the most sought-after players in the draft.

Looking Ahead: A Game-Changing Move for the Cowboys?

If the Dallas Cowboys do trade up to select Arvell Reese, it could be one of the most impactful moves of the 2026 NFL Draft. The addition of an elite edge rusher like Reese would give the Cowboys a significant boost to their defense, a unit that could play a crucial role in their Super Bowl aspirations. With Micah Parsons no longer on the team, Reese could become the new leader of the Cowboys’ defensive line and help solidify their playoff contention for years to come.

As the draft draws closer, all eyes will be on the Cowboys to see if they make a move to land Reese. If they do, expect Reese to make an immediate impact and potentially take the Cowboys’ defense to new heights.