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2016 Senior Bowl: 5 49ers’ Prospect Targets Who Impressed During the Game

By Jerod Brown

Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; The North squad huddles before the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; The North squad huddles before the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad defensive end Jarran Reed of Alabama (90) tackles North squad quarterback Jeff Driskel of Louisiana Tech (16) for a loss during second half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad defensive end Jarran Reed of Alabama (90) tackles North squad quarterback Jeff Driskel of Louisiana Tech (16) for a loss during second half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /

Jarran Reed-Defensive Tackle-Alabama

Jarran Reed made plays all over the field on Saturday and it seemed like every couple of minutes his name was being called again. At 6’4” and 313 pounds, Reed stands out naturally but his quickness to make plays downfield was impressive in a game that felt like it lacked real commitment from players.

The game isn’t as uninteresting as the NFL Pro Bowl but many players begin to slow down and mail it in in the fourth quarter. Just as teams know that practices are where the majority of evaluations will take place, players are aware of this as well.

If Jarran Reed knew his performance wouldn’t be heavily scrutinized, he wasn’t playing like it.

Reed was among the defensive linemen that were standing out against OL play throughout the week. He could’ve taken it easy in the game, knowing he is likely a first round choice in a few months. Instead, Reed routinely shut down interior runs and demonstrated a willingness to improve as a pass rushing interior defender.

If Reed can develop skills to get after quarterbacks, he’ll be next in the line of young, freakishly strong defensive tackles to harass linemen on Sundays. His scouting report already looks like a high-level defender and if he gets coached up in the NFL, watch out.

The 49ers already have one of those players on their roster but nose tackle Ian Williams will be a free agent and it’s no sure thing that he’ll re-sign with the team. No matter how much fans and media members know he should stay, Williams has earned a fat paycheck and the 49ers might draft a younger replacement instead.

Reed won’t be worth the pick at number seven but 49ers’ general manager Trent Baalke is known for making draft-day trades and moving back in the first round to secure Reed could be a play he investigates.

Next: Big-Bodied Receiver