New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com

He's the name that sticks out for me as well.

STRENGTHS Intelligent, hard-working defender who consistently fulfills his assignments. When at middle linebacker, he reads his keys, doesn’t freelance, hits his run fits, and doesn’t play outside of his abilities. Good vision to the ball, out-quicks approaching linemen, works his way through trash well, and has the upper body strength to wrap up running backs coming through the hole. Also takes out linemen with cut blocks to free up teammates to make the stop. Shows surprising dip and flexibility around the edge as a defensive end, and boxes well to force the ball back inside. Does not possess sideline to sideline range, but has a nice short area closing burst, coming downhill quickly on blitzing or seeing a lane to a running back. Breaks down quickly to grab elusive ballcarriers trying to cut against the grain. Can handle short areas in zone coverage over the middle against tight ends and crossers, and is capable of dropping into coverage even after showing blitz in the A-gaps before the snap.

WEAKNESSES Height works against him at times; loses the leverage battle in the run game and struggles dealing with trash at his feet, being susceptible to cut blocks. Better reading his keys to beat blockers to their spot than taking them on and disengaging. Gets overaggressive shooting gaps and running himself upfield, allowing backs to find cutback lanes. Lacks elite recovery speed to catch ballcarriers if he false steps or is unable to get off a block. Must prove he has the stamina to play four quarters at a high level in the NFL. Phone booth player with average change-of-direction ability who will struggle in space. Although he played more on the edge as a senior, it’s unlikely that he has the length or athleticism to do so in the NFL.

NFL COMPARISON Kevin Burnett

BOTTOM LINE Reddick is yet another North Carolina defender with a somewhat turbulent career but possesses the size and athleticism NFL scouts covet in a prospect likely to be picked on the second day of the draft. The four-year starter presents some position versatility in the NFL. He could start in the middle in the NFL as a thumper for a 3-4 team, or, if he proves he has the athleticism, could possibly be a candidate at strongside linebacker for some teams. This position versatility, his production over four seasons starting, and excellent size make Reddick a likely late second to early third day candidate.

Kevin Reddick Draft Profile

I like.