Two former Ohio State linebackers have quickly made their mark among the NFL's most promising defensive rookies.
Arvell Reese of the New York Giants and Sonny Styles of the Washington Commanders are set to face each other in Week 5.
Both were selected among the top seven picks of the 2026 NFL Draft and have delivered immediate production in their first four professional games.
Reese, chosen fifth overall by New York, leads the league with 26 solo tackles, according to NFL. com and CBS Sports.
His play has helped the Giants start 3-1 despite quarterback Jaxson Dart missing nearly three games.
Styles, the seventh overall pick, has contributed across multiple defensive responsibilities and earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after Washington upset the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
Their early performances have drawn national attention, although their strengths differ.
Reese has shown versatility as a linebacker and pass rusher, while Styles has displayed potential in coverage, tackling and defensive communication.
NFL.
com ranked Styles first among defensive rookies at the quarter mark of the season, while other evaluations have given Reese the edge.
Reese's Rapid Rise in New York
Reese recorded 21 tackles, four pass breakups and an interception across victories over the Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals, according to NFL.
com.
His nine-tackle performance against Arizona helped earn him the NFL's Week 4 Rookie of the Week recognition.
He has also become increasingly important to New York's defense following a season-ending ACL injury to edge rusher Brian Burns.
Analysts have highlighted Reese's rapid adjustment to an expanded role. Cole VanWeichen of Land Grant Holy Land said Reese has displayed confidence and versatility.
"In my opinion both have looked like top 10 picks so far, but Reese has been the one who's really jumped off the screen," VanWeichen said.
"His game against Arizona was the kind of performance that makes you sit up."
Reese's ability to pressure quarterbacks has helped distinguish him from Styles, although the Commanders rookie has also produced as a blitzer.
CBS Sports reported that Styles recorded a 17.9% pressure rate among rookie defenders with at least 25 pass-rush snaps, illustrating his effectiveness in Washington's aggressive defensive scheme.
Styles Making His Mark in Washington
Styles has made an equally notable impact in Washington.
The 6-foot-5, 243-pound linebacker recorded five tackles, a quarterback hit, two pass breakups, a forced fumble and an interception during the victory over Seattle.
His performance earned him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award, while his ability to communicate defensive calls has added responsibility to his rookie workload.
Former Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon praised Styles' physical approach while identifying areas that require improvement.
"I just love his willingness to play downhill because that's usually a huge step for guys," Carthon told CBS Sports.
Carthon added that Styles still needs to improve his tackling consistency and become more comfortable with the demands of professional football.
According to Pro Football Reference, Styles has missed four tackles while recording two tackles for loss.
Styles remains a promising long-term prospect as he continues developing at linebacker after beginning his college career at safety.
The Giants and Commanders entered the matchup with promising young linebackers filling important roles amid injuries elsewhere on their defenses.
Reese and Styles were selected just two picks apart, making their first professional meeting a direct comparison between two players whose early performances suggest substantial potential.
