The Washington Redskins used their 85th pick in the third round on Tight End Jordan Reed, 6-2, 236 lbs. Reed is often compared to New England Patriots Tight End Aaron Hernandez.
Very few prospects go through as many positional changes on one side of the ball as Jordan Reed did at Florida. As a quarterback recruit coming out of high school, Reed redshirt the 2009 season and entered 2010 without a defined role. A right knee injury during preseason practice certainly didn’t help his cause. He went on to see some snaps at receiver before moving back to quarterback with five games remaining.
At times Reed was more of a glorified running back, carrying the ball for a total of 48 times in the final three games of the season, half of those occurring in the bowl game against Penn State. In 2011, Reed made 10 starts at tight end after missing time in two games do to a lingering hamstring issue. Finally, as a junior, Reed came into his own in 2012 and looked like a natural at the tight end position while leading the Gators in receiving. He did not end the season on a high note, however, as Reed was reportedly benched in the Gators bowl game for attitude issues.
During his first year of seeing the field as a redshirt freshman, Reed accounted for 328 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 77 carries. He added 252 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception on 26 completions. Prior to his time at quarterback, Reed caught six passes for 79 yards and a touchdown. The next season, Reed found his home at tight end, hauling in 28 receptions for 307 yards and two touchdowns. To end his college campaign, Reed led Florida in receiving with 559 yards and three touchdowns on 45 receptions.
Strengths – Used from a variety of spot along the formation: inline tight end, detached tight end, receiver, H-back, and even some running back. Adequate blocker when able to ride the shoulder and drive. Resets and gets after his assignment in the running game if missed the first time. Very smooth in breaks on outside breaking routes. Shines with the ball in hand, makes moves in space like a big running back with agility. Consistently makes oncoming defenders miss with hops, cuts, or speed. Flashes getting physical to earn the first down or extra yard at the end of runs. Good mix of hands catching and letting it into his body against tight coverage.
Weaknesses – Fails to get over the face of the defensive end when reach blocking. Footwork is not consistent or sustained often enough when blocking, causes him to go to the ground. Posture can get too tall when attacking shoulder of opposition, loses positioning in that way. Needs better anticipation when asked to block at the second level. The type that turns and watches the play after the ball carrier runs past him. Route tree is limited, many or flare outs to the flats. Asked to sit down in soft areas. Hips can get too high when he is asked to run routes, not much exaggeration with head movement.
Bottom Line – Reed ended the season on a low note after being benched in the Sugar Bowl for a poor attitude, but that should not cloud Reed’s breakout season. The junior was forced to play inline at times, but he projects as a move or Joker tight end in the NFL due to his smoothness in space and natural catch and run abilities. Aaron Hernandez is a special player in the NFL, but the similarities between the two far exceed the college both attended.
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