Could this guy be the next Colts draft STEAL?  Nick Reed is easily one of the best pass rushing specialists in this draft at the DE/OLB spot.  Is it possible that Reed is the next pass-rushing find for the Colts which rivals the discovery of a Robert Mathis?  I tell you what Colts fans, this kid is fast, has some impressive moves, and would probably develop into a very effective pass-rusher in the NFL.  Under the tutelage of Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, Reed could be the next bookend on our DL with Marcus Howard.  He does not fit a team better than he would fit the Colts so keep your eyes on him late in the second day.  If he goes undrafted and the Colts don't strike I'll be supremely disappointed. (TIP to Scottishcoltsfan!)

Nick Reed - Oregon

Photo
Sack 1
Sack 2
Sack 3
Sack 4
Sack 5
Sack 6 and FF

6'2", 245 lbs.
4.71 40 Yard Dash, 4.28 20 Yard Shuttle, 6.96 3-Cone Drill
31.5 Inch Vertical Jump, 24 Bench Reps

SENIOR SEASON STATS:
53 Tackles, 18 Assists, 20 TFL, 13 Sacks, 2 PD, 12 QBH, 2 FF, 5 FR

INJURIES:
None listed.

ANALYSIS:

NFLDraftScout.com, TFYDraft.com

Strengths: Strong up top with adequate lower-body strength.  Draws chips and double teams regularly due to his high motor.  Uses his stout build to play with leverage at the point, although he does not hold his ground against helping guards.  Effective spin move inside or outside when man-up.  Uses his hands well at the point, able to punch or rip off his man or avoid running back blocks when he has the space to do it.  Varies his attack inside and outside so blockers don't zero in on one move.  Hustles toward the quarterback, downfield and chases down the line.  Lines up on both sides of the line.  Plays on coverage units.

Tremendous college pass rusher with marginal size/speed numbers for the next level. Intelligent defender who reads the action and chases hard to make plays. Plays with excellent pad level, moves well to the flanks, and rarely off his feet. Quickly changes direction and makes a lot of plays it down the line of scrimmage or in the backfield.

Nick Reed is a phenomenal pass-rusher and solid special teams contributor.  He already has a well developed spin move, does well disengaging from blocks regularly, and wreaks havoc in the backfield.  Look at the tape and you will see his quickness and technical ability to get into the backfield.  The last video shows him making a Mathis-like play on the football causing a fumble.  Sure, DE isn't a NEED position for the Colts but I can't see Polian passing up a player like Reed in the 6th or 7th Round of the draft, if he falls that far.  If we should pass on him in the draft and he does drop to UDFA, we better lock him up!

Weaknesses: Short for an edge rusher, and has little muscle definition.  Lacks the explosiveness off the snap of other undersized NFL ends.  Gets engulfed by larger offensive tackles.  Can not recover from a wide rush, allowing the quarterback to step up in the pocket.  Sacks often come against lesser tackles and when quarterback holds the ball too long.  Wears down in the fourth quarter against stronger linemen.  May be moved to linebacker, but does not have to the flexibility and change-of-direction agility to handle coverage responsibilities.  Gets in position to make plays in space, but lacks the quickness to finish against NFL-type backs and receivers.

Engulfed at the point by a single blocker. Shows a minimal burst of speed, and lacks the ability to quickly close on the action.

Reed has a lot of natural ability and football instincts.  Sure, like most late-round prospects or potential UDFA he'll need some development and will be a bit of a project but I could see no team better suited to develop a player with Reed's talents than the Colts.  I hope we snag this guy late in the draft or as an UDFA.  Missing out on a guy like this and seeing his career fail in another system would be disappointing.