2018 NFL Draft: Breaking down CB D.J. Reed to the 49ers in Round 5
By Peter Panacy
The San Francisco 49ers added to their cornerback depth in Round 5 of the 2018 NFL Draft, grabbing Kansas State nickel back D.J. Reed. Let’s break it down.
The San Francisco 49ers kicked off the early stages of Round 5 of the 2018 NFL Draft by grabbing Kansas State cornerback D.J. Reed at No. 142 overall.
Reed, 5-foot-9 and 188 pounds, projects as a nickel back at the NFL level.
San Francisco already has one of these in a starting role on its roster, K’Waun Williams — and, to a lesser extent, Jimmie Ward — although Reed figures to be a quality backup, special teams contributor and potential long-term replacement for Williams.
Like Williams, Reed plays bigger than his size. And with seven interceptions over the last two seasons at Kansas State, the California native is something of a ballhawk too.
| Tackles | Def Int | Fumbles | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Solo | Ast | Tot | Loss | Sk | Int | Yds | Avg | TD | PD | FR | Yds | TD | FF |
| *2016 | Kansas State | Big 12 | SO | DB | 12 | 62 | 16 | 78 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 3 | 35 | 11.7 | 1 | 16 | 0 | 2 | ||
| *2017 | Kansas State | Big 12 | JR | DB | 11 | 41 | 6 | 47 | 4.5 | 0.0 | 4 | 32 | 8.0 | 0 | 9 | 2 | 1 | ||
| Career | Kansas State | 103 | 22 | 125 | 5.0 | 0.0 | 7 | 67 | 9.6 | 1 | 25 | 2 | 3 |
Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 4/28/2018.
The Bakersfield native also served as both a punt and kick returner, having 17 returns in each category with two returns for touchdowns.
New 49ers CB D.J. Reed said he'll play inside at nickel. He does not lack confidence: "You just watch my film," he said. "I'm a lock-down corner first and foremost. I don't get scored on."
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) April 28, 2018
Reed doesn’t lack for confidence either, and that should help his efforts this season and beyond too.
Strengths
With NFL offenses relying on more and more three-wide formations, the importance of good coverage nickel backs can’t be overstated. And Reed has very solid one-on-one coverage abilities, as Pro Football Focus’ Jeff Deeney pointed out:
Reed also plays with some swagger and aggression. He’s tough, competitive and physical — not shying away from contact and performing as a more-than-willing tackler against the run.
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His special teams abilities only serve as a bonus to his defensive attributes.
Weaknesses
As is the case with many physical cornerbacks, Reed can occasionally get in trouble with overpursuing and taking bad angles. It’s rare, but he’ll get beat badly when he makes an incorrect read.
His smallish frame worked well enough against slot receivers at the college level. But more than a few NFL teams — see the Arizona Cardinals with Larry Fitzgerald — are experimenting with putting bigger wideouts in the slot.
These efforts will give Reed problems at the next level, even if he plays bigger than his stature.
Projected Role with the 49ers
Williams should be the starter this season, little question there. He did miss two games last year, though, and there’s always value in having both depth and the option for slot coverage when opponents go four wide.
The 49ers won’t be putting him into a starting role right away, unless Reed completely blows away Williams in training camp. But it’s not out of the question to see Reed eventually take over this role after a year or two.
Remember, defensive backs often take the most time adjusting to the pro ranks.
Next: 49ers' 2018 NFL Draft tracker with grades & analysis
In the meanwhile, look for San Francisco to slate Reed for possible return duties his rookie season.