Reese has the physical and athletic profile to be a full-time pass rusher at the next level. He has an explosive first step from a 2-point stance, gaining ground to close cushion and threaten with pure speed off the edge. He also has the physical strength and raw power to collapse the pocket and knock back blockers. These abilities create a high floor as a pass rusher who can develop a go-to speed-to-power move. Where he is currently lacking as a rusher is having a consistent plan and arsenal of moves at his disposal, having only rushed the passer about one-quarter of the time on his snaps against the pass. He has the length and quickness to develop hand counters to disengage from blocks, but this will take time with more experience gained as a full-time edge.

He displays a high-end motor as a pursuit player, continuing to fight and strain the finish plays either in or out of the pocket. He also has experience as a moveable piece along the front to align in the A or B gap to use in stunts, drop in coverage, or even be a spy, which he excels at. He spent the majority of his snaps against the pass in coverage, primarily patrolling the hook/curl to flat areas of the field. He has the range and athleticism to cover backs and tight ends in man coverage and has sufficient instincts and feel in zone coverage. His high-cut frame can limit some change of direction quickness, which can limit his overall usage as a coverage defender at the next level.

Reese’s physicality and play strength allow him to be a stout run defender either as an EDGE or off-ball linebacker at the next level. When aligned on the edge he showed the ability to dominate blockers at the POA and lock out to find the ball. He physically overwhelms tight ends and has consistently set the edge against tackles too. Off the ball, he still displays that physicality to stack and shed blocks with violence and explosion through his upper body. Even with his taller frame, he was able to maneuver through the trash to locate and attack the ball. He was a strong and reliable tackler who can engulf ballcarriers with his length and strength. His range and pursuit speed are also on display as a run defender, showing the ability to chase down plays from the back side as an edge defender, or beat a block to the perimeter as an off-ball player.

While Reese has the versatility to play multiple roles, he projects to be a full-time edge at the next level with his blend of physicality and athleticism. He would fit best as a true stand-up edge, as he has zero snaps with his hand in the ground as a rusher. He will be a high-level run defender with his violent and explosive upper body, but will require time to round out his total pass rush ability. On 3rd down, he can rush the passer off the edge or be used as a moveable piece in stunts or as a QB spy with his high-level pursuit ability. He can also serve a role on special teams with his play strength and competitive toughness.