Giants designate rookie Arvell Reese as primary inside linebacker

The New York Giants drafted Arvell Reese with the intent to play him at inside linebacker, bucking a league-wide trend that viewed the prospect as a potential pass rusher. Reese expressed satisfaction with the coaching staff's plan to keep him at his college position. Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson and linebackers coach Frank Bush identified Reese as their preferred choice early in the evaluation process. The selection was influenced by connections between the Giants' staff and Ohio State linebackers coach James Laurinaitis, who coached with Wilson and Bush in the past. As John Harbaugh begins his first season as head coach, the team aims to develop Reese into a primary defensive weapon. Reese remains in contention for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, a title no Giants player has held since 1981.

• 10:05 AMYahoo Sports — How Arvell Reese will make most of 'perfect situation' with NY Giants