Malik

Reed

PFF College’s No. 1-graded edge defender in the Mountain West last season, Reed generated pressure on 21% of his 2018 pass-rush snaps — the third-highest rate among all draft-eligible defensive linemen. A puzzling Combine snub, Reed’s energetic friskiness projects him as an off-the-edge LB/DE hybrid.

Reed was a stalwart for the Wolf Pack defense, and he lead all Group of 5 EDGE defenders with 50 defensive stops last year. “Reed lacks the size and length of a 3-4 outside linebacker but he needs more experience and technique before he will be able to take NFL reps as a standard linebacker in space,” Zierlein writes. “He flashes athletic qualities worthy of development as a practice squad linebacker or as a designated pass rusher with special teams value.” Expect Reed to go late on Saturday, or to be one of the more coveted free agents if he does’t get his name called.

Reed (6'1/250) recorded 50 defensive stops, three more than East Carolina’s Nate Harvey. Rotoworld’s Josh Norris reported that Reed took an official visit with the Los Angeles Rams and interviewed with multiple other teams. He wasn’t invited to the NFL Scouting Combine but tested well at his Pro Day. He’s likely a fringe late Day 3/UDFA at this point.

Reed (6'1/250) was a popular interview name during the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl back in January, but did not receive an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine. During his pro day testing, the Nevada standout ran the 40-yard dash in the range of 4.80-4.82 seconds, posted a 120-inch broad jump and cleaned up with a pair of strong agility tests, running the three-cone drill in 6.89 seconds and the 20-yard shuttle in 4.30 seconds. At this juncture, Draft Analyst’s Tony Pauline stamps Reed with a UDFA grade for April.

Reed (6'1/251) was one of the few standout players for Nevada last year, and was one of the best pass-rushers in all of the Mountain West Conference. “Reed has continued to grow in all phases and 2017 was by far his best season as a pass-rusher as he picked up nine sacks, eight QB hits and 24 hurries on only 286 rushes,” PFF writes. The size will concern some, but Reed’s ability to get to the quarterback could make him a high draft pick in 2019

As Feldman notes, Reed (6'2/240) is being moved to linebacker, and that should help his draft stock as he doesn’t have the build that suggests defensive end in the NFL. Strength clearly isn’t an issue, as Feldman reports that he was able to power-clean 357 pounds with a deadlift of 672 pounds. He was an analytical darling as well with Pro Football Focus continuously singing his praise, so Reed is certainly a name to keep an eye on in 2018.