Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
Former Alabama defensive tackle Jarran Reed, a junior college transfer out of East Mississippi Community College, proved in just two years with the Crimson Tide that he was an elite run defender, but his lack of production as an interior pass rusher forced him to slide out of the first round.
Against the run, Reed thrives when taking on double teams, as opposing offensive linemen are often incapable of moving Reed off the line of scrimmage, which in turn, allows the linebackers behind him to take advantage of an indecisive running back in the backfield. Also, in one-on-one situations, Reed will regularly create separation with his initial punch and will shed blockers at the most opportune time to make a play on the ball carrier near the line of scrimmage.
Also, within Alabama’s defensive scheme, Reed had experience at several positions along the defensive line, as he took snaps at both nose tackle and defensive end when in a 3-4 and saw some time as an interior defensive lineman in a 4-3.
Reed would likely be a two-down player because of his deficiencies as a pass rusher, but if he can still have a substantial impact as an elite run stuffer, Reed has value at the top of the second round.
In Oakland, Reed would likely play with an already talented group of defensive tackles in Dan Williams and Justin Ellis.
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