Scouting The 2013 NFL Draft: Jordan Reed, TE, Florida

Introduction

You won't hear Jordan Reed's name mentioned without Aaron Hernandez popping up in the conversation. With the success that Aaron has had in New England, that's not a bad thing. Athletically they are similar, and of course they are both products of the Gators. As a quarterback recruit, Reed failed to make an impression. He was then moved to receiver, played a little running back or more running QB and then finally landed at the TE spot. Many thought that he would return for his Senior season, however after being reportedly benched during the bowl game for having attitude problems, he decided to make the leap into the NFL.

Measuables

Height: 6'2

Weight: 232 lb's

Arm Length: 33"

Hands: 10"

School: Florida

Grade: Junior

Statistics

Positives

Has a lot of speed and when he has the ball in his hands, looks more like a receiver with the fluidity and body control to make people miss in the open field. Very soft hands and is a reliable target, a good route runner who makes sharp cuts. Mismatch for any linebacker or defensive back and can be split out wide too. Sharp footwork and manages to get separation easily. Has a unique ability to find the soft spots in coverage, and has the physicality to play against press coverage. Took hits in college but didn't put the ball on the ground often. Has a second gear which takes him away from defensive backs. Does get physical in the blocking game and when he has the ball in his hands and needs to grind out that extra yard.

Negatives

Doesn't have a great deal of experience playing right end. Moved to the position in 2011 and 2012 was his first full season. Doesn't have the bulk to do much in the blocking game, will work in the run game and won't give up but will get moved off the ball a little bit. Will need to add some more bulk to sustain some of the hits he will receive in the NFL. Because of his lack of bulk in the run game, will often hold pass rushers and this will be called more in the NFL than it was in the SEC. Doesn't always give 100% on each play and this would fit in with the talk of him being benched in the bowl game for his attitude.

Conclusion

It's a mixed bag with Reed. i think people get a little too excited with the Aaron Hernandez comparisons. I remember him putting the ball on the ground in the red-zone against Georgia and the benching is a concern. Lack of effort if the ball isn't coming his way is a red flag for me, and his inability to help much in the blocking game is a concern. He does have soft hands and I do think he'll develop into a nice pass catching tight end. There is talk of him going as early as the top 5 picks in the 2nd round, and I think that's a little reach.

Would I Draft Him For The Jets?

With Reed it's all about value, he's certainly not my favorite tight end in this class. However if he was sitting there at #9 in the 3rd round, then I may look that way - especially as Dustin Keller is not guaranteed to return. We do need a pass catching tight end in this new system, but we hate penalties - false starts and holding calls will rain down on him until he manages to get a better grasp of timing.

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