Sleeper of the week series. 3-4 ILB/OLB

by CowboysRnumba1 on Mar 13, 2009 12:23 PM CDT

OK...Some people may contend that a "sleeper" pick is a small school prospect that played at a high level, showed all the skills to translate to the next level, and has untapped potential to become a very good pro ball player.

Yet in reality, a sleeper can be on any roster, big school or small. He may even get post season awards, and be known by those who follow a certain conference, or school, but gets little or no recognition by the McShay's, Kiper's, or Mayock's. You'll seldom see them listed among the best at their position, even though they ourperformed all the big names in college at their respective positions.Some are then bypassed by the NFL Combine, thinking their skills don't warrant draft consideration, and aren't among the top 350 or so prospects. Jay Ratliff was an obvious draft year "sleeper", wasn't invited to the 2005 Combine, and played for an undefeated SEC powerhouse in Auburn.

That being said, I would like to introduce you guys to Nick Reed. 6'2" 245lbs.

Played DE at Oregon University. He hasn't been mentioned by anybody, scouting services give him no love or mention despite his amazing production at a big time college program.

This guy was a 1st team Walter Camp All-American at DE. He led the Pac-10 in sacks the past two seasons.Has more TFL than anyone in the country over that time, yet he's not invited to the Combine ? and not even considered a draftable prospect ? I sure had to investigate this guy..

Well respected NFL columnist Rick Gosselin chimes in with a nice write up :

UPDATED: http://nflblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/03/oregon-de-nick-reed-building-h.html

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/columnists/rgosselin/stories/022209dnspogosselin.2b18cff.html

I like what i've seen so far.I would also like to say that he was voted a 2 time Academics All- American award winner by ESPN, and you know we need smarter players so Wade doesn't need to "dummy down" the defensive plays and schemes.

Became only the second football player at Oregon to ever earn first-team All-America honors on the field (Walter Camp Foundation) and in the classroom (ESPN the Magazine), joining Steve Barnett (offensive lineman) from 1962 ... The two-time first-team Academic All-American and Draddy Award semifinalist led the country in fumble recoveries (5), ranked fourth (tie) nationally (1st in the Pac-10) in quarterback sacks (13.0), and tied for ninth in tackles for loss (20.0) ... The team’s ninth-leading tackler not only was awarded the Morris Trophy as the Pac-10’s top defensive lineman, he was voted by his teammates as the Ducks’ Most Outstanding Player ... Posting quarterback sacks in nine of his last 12 appearances, the two-time first-team all-conference pick equaled the school’s single-game record for quarterback sacks and surpassed the career pinnacle (29.5) ... His 20.0 TFLs tied for the fourth most in a single season (3.0 shy of the school record) and he finished his career second on the all-time list with 51.5 (1.5 short of the career leader)

http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=3378&SPID=233&DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=177402&Q_SEASON=2008

OK...Now here is the reason this guy isn't being considered a top 3-4 LB prospect this season. There was questions about his top end speed, said to be in the 4.92 - 5.1 40 range....That's it, the guy doesn't time well in the 40 yard dash.

Well...I'm not one to place all my emphasis on recorded 40 times. I want football speed, Game Speed shows up on tape, How fast are you with pads on with a RB or QB in your sights ? How fast can you get off the ball snap ? Can you cover 10 yards in under 2 seconds ? ...That's all I care about when talking defensive front seven players.

Well fella's, he's put the critics to rest at his Pro Day.

http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/sports/9598380-41/story.csp

He ran a timed 4.71 in the 40 yard dash.

In fact, he outperformed pretty much every 1st round LB canidate not named Aaron Curry, in Combine skills events, timed speed, and put up a respectable 24 reps on the bench. He also did well in LB positional skills. He was the star at Oregon's Pro Day, even outperforming supposed first day Safety prospect- Patrick Chung in many events.

Reed measured in at 6-foot-1, 245 pounds and put up some impressive numbers in the drills:
40-yard Dash: 4.71
Vertical Jump: 31.5 inches
Bench Press Reps (225 pounds): 24
Broad Jump: 9.0 feet
Short Shuttle: 4.27
Three-Cone Drill: 6.96
60-yard Shuttle: 12.02

Just how good are those numbers ??

If Reed was at the combine, here is how he would have stacked up against the 11 inside linebackers:

40 yard dash: 4th (4.71)
Notables: Rey Maualuga (4.83), Brian Cushing (4.79), Darry Beckwith (4.77), Aaron Curry (4.56)

Bench Press: 6th (24)
Notables: Maualuga (23), James Laurinaitis (22), Curry (25), Cushing (30)

*40-yard dash and bench were the only tests done by all middle linebacker prospects at the combine*

Short Shuttle: 4.27
Notables: Jasper Brinkley (4.32), Laurinaitis (4.24), Cushing (4.22)

Three-Cone Drill: 6.96
Notables: Brinkley (7.03), Scott McKillop (7.00), Laurinaitis (6.93)

http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=3691710

Well...I'd be very interested in this guy, inside behind Bradie James, or outside backing up Spencer/Ellis....He is not Eric Walden...I can assure you.

YouTube Tape on this guy:

Check out the spin move while blowing past starting LT & LG of vaunted powerhouse USC:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jSQBEh6vYc

Move seems to work well at Cal as well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLqHcCmTYTA

Heck, even when the spin move is picked up, he throws the back away like yesturday's trash:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soWJEjtboPc&feature=related

Or, How bout this matador act he throws on Purdue's LT:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I08dziivZto&feature=related

Shows burst, acceleration, and recognition skills here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jafEZK9XH70&feature=related

Shows his stuff coming from the left side, blowing past chip block:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmzUDbbOw-M&feature=related

He has shown to be stout at the line, shed blocks and stop the running plays: (clip has little D coverage, play mentioned is at :52 second mark, then that's it)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQO2Rn5FIh4&feature=related

He can play the run on the edge as well...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBTWEmhqRS4&feature=related

Hey, sometimes the hit after the pass, is more important than a sack.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFM3_YBsvnM&feature=related

Of course he'll have to play special teams as well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1NwCQnugJw&feature=related

Another user-created commentary provided by a BTB reader.

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Comments

I think

He’s too small to be an end and too slow to be a LB.

But that 40 time and his three-cone time are really impressive. I haven’t seen enough of his play at LB to know if he’s got the requisite skills for the NFL level, but it sounds like you do worse than drafting a guy like him in the 7th.

by brettgardner on Mar 13, 2009 12:38 PM CDT reply actions

I'm sorry but 245 6'1'' and 4.71 40 time is actually really good for a LB

What are you talking about?

by quincyyyyy on Mar 13, 2009 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions

well....you have a point with this comment:

I haven’t seen enough of his play at LB to know if he’s got the requisite skills for the NFL level

Well…Keep in mind D Ware and A Spencer were also down lineman DE’s as well….This guy has put up better numbers than both of them on the field during his career, in a better conference !!!

by CowboysRnumba1 on Mar 13, 2009 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions

OK

You can have him, and I’ll take Ware. Deal?

by brettgardner on Mar 13, 2009 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions

ok...now your gonna go smart ass on me ??

by CowboysRnumba1 on Mar 13, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions

It was a joke.

by brettgardner on Mar 13, 2009 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions

First of all

I never said he was too small to be a 3-4 LB, just that he wasn’t fast enough, which seems to be corroborated by everything except his pro day.

My comment was essentially explaining the reason his stock is so low, not what I personally thought of him, because, as I said, I haven’t seen him very much.

by brettgardner on Mar 13, 2009 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions

and your tone seems a little too intense for me.....I was just pointing out facts....not questioning your assessment..

by CowboysRnumba1 on Mar 13, 2009 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions

OK

But I wasn’t even responding to you.

by brettgardner on Mar 13, 2009 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions

yeah....i figured you weren't....quincyyyy tends to rub ya the wrong way sometimes...lmao..I can relate..

by CowboysRnumba1 on Mar 13, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions

and your tone seems a little too intense for me.....I was just pointing out facts....not questioning your assessment..

by CowboysRnumba1 on Mar 13, 2009 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions

yeah, the only OLBs that run faster

are athletic freaks like D Ware.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Mar 13, 2009 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions

4.71 in the 40 too slow to play LB ?

that’s faster than most 1st round LB’s

by CowboysRnumba1 on Mar 13, 2009 12:54 PM CDT reply actions

There must be something more to the story

great measureable, great production, and played at a big school. He has a first day resume; I’m sure there is something the scouts know that we don’t.

by quincyyyyy on Mar 13, 2009 1:33 PM CDT reply actions

Nope...from what I read, He was supposedly too slow to tranfer to LB....very few had though he's come and run a 4.71

He had 4.92- 5.1 -5.2 times in the past I guess…Put him in an NFL strength and conditioning program and this dude only gets bigger, faster, and better…..Don’t be suprised if his Pro Day workout alone shoots him up into the 3rd-4th rounds…

by CowboysRnumba1 on Mar 13, 2009 1:36 PM CDT reply actions

Cboys#1

Nick Reed certainly does look like an underrated prospect, good find.

But I don’t think he’ll be moving up to the 3rd or 4th round. His Pro Day numbers were very good but the 4.71 Forty is somewhat inflated. He ran a 4.71 with the wind and a 4.84 against the wind. I guess a 4.77-78 is the middle ground. It’s not a bad time but it’s certainly not a great one.

What was a very good time was his 3 Cone Drill. The 3 Cone Drill tests your ability to change directions at high speed and use acceleration through a turn. In other words it’s a really good linebacker and pass rusher drill. In total there were only 5 DE’s and LB’s at the Combine who had quicker times than Reed’s 6.96.

He mightn’t have great long run speed but he’s got real good short area quickness and agility.

by Luke. on Mar 15, 2009 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions

which is all that's required from a ILB prospect, (where i'd play him) short area quickness with strength to shed in traffic..

even at 4.77 in the 40 puts him right there with Maualuga, Brinkley, McKillop….I knw if he’s there in the 5th round..I’d be on him….

by CowboysRnumba1 on Mar 15, 2009 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Oh ok, ILB, I was assuming you were talking about him being a pass rushing OLB.

I don’t think he’s had any experience playing inside though.

I think he will be there in the Fifth and I wouldn’t be disappointed if we drafted him.

by Luke. on Mar 15, 2009 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Oh...don't get me wrong...He would get drafted as and play OLB pass rusher...in rotation with Ware and Spencer..BUT.

But I think he has the potential to be a very good penetrator from the inside blitz position as well., and he may just be a liability in coverages if placed outside LB full time.(we are looking for LB depth, I’m not saying he’’ll come and take Spencers job…but you never know…..btw)……I see him as a inside attack guy (Bradie James had 8 sacks, this guy is far better at rushing the QB) Come in on running plays in the weak ILB slot, fill some gaps, appears to finish his tackles, wraps up well….He’s got more talent than Brooking at this point…Moving guys around and getting the best out of them isn’t so far fetched…Football players can adapt.We have tried with Barbie, but appears to be a lost cause……Reed has shown good recognition, quick to react, and a good burst, and ability to shed off 300+lbs OT’s and OG’s.. his whole college career…perfect for the inside…uses his hands very well to fight, He would need to strengthen and get in better overall health…He’s not a workout warrior…In the NFL…he’d be in the gym 24/7….I hope we get him..I hope he’s being discussed…..Our 5th rounder has his name on it…

by CowboysRnumba1 on Mar 15, 2009 8:09 PM CDT up reply actions

Another one to look at would be Kirston Pittman from LSU

He impressed at his pro-day. He dropped off this last season but the year before he had 16 TFL’s and 9 sacks. Worth a late round flyer??

There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.

by kameleon_o on Mar 16, 2009 8:21 PM CDT up reply actions

I haven't really followed him too closely because i'm not a fan of LSU linemen in general..

He had a major drop off in production from ‘07 to ’08, despite having Jackson and Francois on the line with him…plus you count in the fact that he had major injuries that caused him to miss two full seasons in ’05 and ’06….I’ll have to look into him more, but he’s not a guy i’d take in the top 5 rounds..If we’re going OLB in the drafdt..I need a guy that consistantly put up numbers…

by CowboysRnumba1 on Mar 16, 2009 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm trying to find out why his production dropped off so much.

I’m looking at a couple of other guys. Ian Campbell had a horrible pro-day. Speed was going to be his question mark anyway and he ran slow. I wonder if his hamstring is still hurting??

Stryker Sulak is another one. I’ve watched quite a few Mizzou games since I live up here in Missouri but he’s never stood out even with his stats and pass rush skills. How come?? Maybe just because I was paying attention to Maclin, Daniels, and Moore.

There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.

by kameleon_o on Mar 16, 2009 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions

yeah...i'd pass on both of them....

Sulak’s been getting some last minute hype…but If I didn’t know about him going into his last season…he didn’t make my watch list…………those are all 6th rd or later guys your mentioning…..I’m more focused on the top 4-5 rounds….I believe all our 6-7 round picks will be traded to move up in ealier rounds……cuz we’ll have those suppl picks……..

Only reason I did this piece on Reed was because he’s deserving of being a top 4 round player, and got badly graded initially because of perceived lack of speed…..I am sure people are well aware of him now….

by CowboysRnumba1 on Mar 16, 2009 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Keep 'em coming numba1

Gosselin had a nice little write up on Reed, and when he mentions a guy, it’s a good sign.

One more possible LB for Dallas is always good too.

Feb. 27 -- Veteran free agency signing period begins. Trading period begins.
April 25-26 -- NFL Draft

by APerfectStar on Mar 13, 2009 2:32 PM CDT reply actions

did he really ?..I gotta find it, I really don't cover Pac-10 much, and this guys been flying under the radar for too long...

On a positive note…I am SURE Dallas had scouts representing Oregons Pro day checking out Patrich Chung, hopefully they come out of there impressed with this guy…He’s got 5th-6th round gem written all over him..

by CowboysRnumba1 on Mar 13, 2009 2:45 PM CDT reply actions

Here you go

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/columnists/rgosselin/stories/022209dnspogosselin.2b18cff.html

Feb. 27 -- Veteran free agency signing period begins. Trading period begins.
April 25-26 -- NFL Draft

by APerfectStar on Mar 13, 2009 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks..I went looking and couldn't find it...I'm going to add it to my post...

This guy is a football player…that’s all I know.,.

by CowboysRnumba1 on Mar 13, 2009 3:43 PM CDT reply actions

Awesome

I’ll have to keep tabs on this guy

by sublimezg on Mar 13, 2009 4:05 PM CDT reply actions

Another guy who might be a gem is Robert Henson

ILB for the TCU horned frogs.
6’0’’ 240 punds
20 bench reps
4.7 in the 40
2.71 in the 20
1.61 in 10
73 tackles, 2 INT in first full season of starting..
The reason he will slip is he missed the bowl game because of academic ineligibility.
Right now he isn’t even in draft discussions so we could get him as a UDFA. I don’t care about school grades as long as he is football smart

by nicholas.rodriguez on Mar 13, 2009 4:18 PM CDT reply actions

hmm

0 sacks in 07 and 1 in 08.

by sublimezg on Mar 13, 2009 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions

I asked my younger brother...

…who played with him at TCU a year ago, asked him what his thoughts were on the dude and he said Coach Patterson was constantly getting on him for behavioral problems. Perhaps a little unfocused? I don’t want someone who doesn’t play with their heat. Ya know?

by .FRoST.USAF on Mar 13, 2009 10:17 PM CDT up reply actions