Jarran Reed, Defensive Tackle
Alabama
6’3″ 311 lbs.
Strengths
- Very powerful/Immovable
- Explosive off the snap
- Excellent technique in shedding blocks
- Does not miss tackles
- Good awareness in finding the ball
- Instant starter
- Productive
Weaknesses
- Very little pass rush
- Not great length
- Average motor
Summary
There’s (deservedly so) plenty of buzz around the Crimson Tide’s talented lineman A’Shawn Robinson as we analyze the draft, and while his linemate Jarran Reed may not be as versatile there’s plenty of talent in Reed’s game as well. While Reed isn’t a fast player, he is explosive off the snap and packs a serious punch when he collides with a blocker. He holds up well, and doesn’t give up ground even in double team situations.
While Reed does occupy blockers well, and disrupts plenty of runs that way alone, he is more than a space eater. In my breakdown of Andrew Billings, I was disappointed how often he seemed to blow in with his head down and fail to make a play. This is not the case with Reed. Jarran sheds tackles well, and flows down the line well to bring down a ball carrier on his own, and once he gets there he is not going to miss tackles.
I’ve seen some publications mocking Reed as high as the 12th overall pick in the draft. I could see that happening about 10 years ago, but that seems unlikely to me in today’s NFL. While Reed is big, strong, and has great technique in shedding blocks; I can’t see him ever producing great sack totals. Teams in a 4-3 set would be disappointed if they are looking for a interior pass rusher in Reed.
How he Fits (or doesn’t) with the Steelers
I’d be on the fence if the Steelers selected Reed with the 25th pick. On one hand, the Steelers could plug Reed into the lineup from day 1 and see an immediate upgrade, and likely an improvement in their run defense. On the other hand, I’m not sure that Reed has the versatility to be worth taking at that spot.
I believe the Steelers would like to find a guy that can fill multiple roles in the defense, including the nose tackle spot. While I think his superior technique could make up for it somewhat, he doesn’t have the length of a traditional 5-technique to rotate snaps with Heyward and Tuitt. Keith Butler is now asking more from his defensive ends in the pass rush department, and in 4-3 looks it would be nice to find someone that can pressure the quarterback up the middle.
I could be wrong, but I see Jarran Reed falling further than some expect on draft day. If Reed were there in round 2, or the Steelers traded down quite a bit then I would be all over the big man, but 25 feels a little rich for my blood.
Draft Range Prediction
Early-Mid 2nd round
