Home / Sports / Pass Rush Priority: Mock Draft Lands Ohio State Star
Pass Rush Priority: Mock Draft Lands Ohio State Star
22 Apr
Summary
- Arvell Reese projected to Cardinals in final mock draft.
- Ohio State EDGE/LB had 6.5 sacks and 22.7% pressure rate.
- Cardinals need pass-rushing help after weak linebacker performance.
With the 2026 NFL Draft commencing on Thursday, final mock drafts are emerging, including one from Bucky Brooks. Brooks projects the Arizona Cardinals to select Ohio State's Arvell Reese, an EDGE/linebacker. Despite concerns about hybrid players, Reese demonstrated production with 6.5 sacks and a 22.7% pressure rate for Ohio State last season, complemented by strong physical and athletic traits.
The Cardinals are in urgent need of pass-rushing improvement. While Josh Sweat achieved a career-high 12 sacks, the rest of the outside linebacker unit—Zaven Collins, Baron Browning, Jordan Burch, and BJ Ojulari—collectively managed only 5.5 sacks. The team made no offseason additions to bolster this position, highlighting the defensive vulnerabilities from the previous season.
