Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Complete rookie grades from 2018 NFL Draft class

By Akshaj Dwivedula

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Mike McGlinchey of Notre Dame after he was picked #9 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Mike McGlinchey of Notre Dame after he was picked #9 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: D.J. Reed #32 of the San Francisco 49ers fumbles the ball during a kick return as he is tackled by Michael Davis #43 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Round 5, Pick 142: Defensive Back D.J. Reed

D.J. Reed had a very interesting rookie year, by any stretch of the imagination. When Adrian Colbert first got injured, Reed was given the opportunity to take over the starting free safety job. It did not go very well. Although Reed had a few bright spots, ultimately he got benched and lost his opportunities there.

Not discouraged, Reed set his eyes on another starting spot, slot corner. Here, the results were a little more encouraging. Reed’s best game came against the Denver Broncos in Week 14, where he totaled 12 tackles and a sack. I italicized 12 tackles because that is a ridiculous stat line for a nickel corner.

Now, Reed had a lot more tape on him, so we can safely grade him. And although I try to stay optimistic, based off this season alone, he did not have a great year. He had great games, yes. He played well enough to make fellow corner K’Waun Williams earn his job next year.

But Reed’s best games are to come.

Grade: C