Jarran Reed Scouting Report, DT, Alabama. 2016 NFL Draft

Introduction

Hometown: Goldsboro, North Carolina
High School: Goldsboro (NC)
Recruitment: 3-Star Recruit by ESPN, 3-Star recruit by Rivals (JUCO transfer)
Injuries/Discipline: Academic problems out of high school.

Awards:

2014 & 2015 SEC Champion

Measurables

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 313
Class: Senior
Projected 40 Time: 5.15

Stats

2015: 56 tackles, 4.5 for a loss, 1.0 sack
2014: 54 tackles, 6.5 for a loss, 1.0 sack
2013: 66 tackles, 5.5 for a loss, 3.5 sacks (East Mississippi Community College)

Positives

• Excellent size
• Natural run stuffer
• Above average power
• Plays with good leverage
• Absorbs space and blockers
• Excellent instincts
• A nose for the ball
• Very good tackler
• Plays very physical

Negatives

• Not a pass rusher
• Doesn't have pass rush moves
• Lacks speed
• Can get worn down towards the end of games
• Base down player at NFL level

Conclusion

Alabama has so much talent on their defensive line, it's nearly impossible to say who has the biggest influence, where as A'Shawn Robinson gets most of the attention, the argument can be made that Jarran Reed is the foundation for the line. As a big space eating nose tackle, his ability to clog space and force double teams opens up the opportunity for his teammates to make plays.

It's been a long road for Jarran. Initially signing with Division II Fayetteville State out of high school, Reed was forced to spend a year at Hargrave Military Academy after being ruled ineligible due to academics. He transferred to East Mississippi Community College in 2012 before signing with Alabama before the 2014 season. He had originally planned to sign with Florida before he committed to Alabama, but he was unable to graduate in time.

However with the coaching of Saban and the talent on the Alabama defence, Reed now finds himself considered as a first round lock, despite a slow start in 2014. Despite being tempted by the 2015 draft, Reed decided to stay in school, a decision that will be rewarded when he hears his name called this year.

He's very much a run stuffer, a player who just absorbs space and blockers, he's not always flashy, but he forces runs to the outside where the Alabama linebackers sniff it out. He mostly lines directly over the centre or in the 1 or 2 technique. He really is a very impressive base player on tape, his slow start in 2014 is something to consider, along with the fact that he's played on one of the best defensive teams in college football and shows very little in the pass rush game.

Draft Grade: 81

90-100 = Exceptional Talent
80-90 = Impact Player
70-80 = NFL Starter
60-70 = Solid NFL Potential
50-60 = Draftable - Lot of work needed
>50 = Undraftable, - Long Shot To Stick