Ed Reynolds NFL Draft 2014: Highlights, Scouting Report for Eagles S

Ed Reynolds, S, Stanford (HT: 6’1”; WT: 207 lbs.)

Philadelphia Eagles

Fifth Round: 162th Pick

Height	Weight	Arm	Hand
6010	207	30 3/8"	8 3/8"

40-yard dash	10-yard split	Vert	Broad	3-Cone	Shuttle
4.57	1.57	32.5"	9' 8"	DNP	DNP

Positives

• Prototypical height for a safety. He’s able to line up against big red-zone targets and only be at a small disadvantage.
• Decent range in coverage as he pursues the ball in flight.
• Most effective while roaming the intermediate zone areas, which allows him to cut off intermediate routes and defend quarterback scrambles.
• Recognizes routes fairly quickly and doesn’t let his assigned man get behind him.
• Although an average tackler, he has the strength needed to bring down big, physical backs. Technique improvement could help him become a more reliable tackler.
• Improved the pursuit angles he took in 2013, which limited the amount of big plays that the Stanford defense gave up on the ground.
• Experienced player in a complex defensive scheme, he shouldn’t have any issues digesting an NFL playbook.
• Seems capable of covering seam routes by in-line tight ends, which is one of the most popular routes in the NFL. Has the physicality to intimidate receivers that run across the middle.
• He was versatile at Stanford, playing safety, running back and kick-returner.

Negatives

• For being a linear athlete, he doesn’t have great speed. He has to win with instincts and efficient movement.
• Took terrible angles when attacking the ball-carrier in run defense until his senior season, often over-committing and allowing the carrier to make a small hesitation move and explode for big gains.
• Tackling form needs improvement, as he often tries to wrap up around the shoulder pads of the offensive player. He’ll have to start with the fundamentals of tackling again.
• Ineffective as a single-high safety due to lack of lateral quickness. Doesn’t have enough fluidity or short area burst to close ground quickly.
• Play recognition is weak. He is vulnerable to biting on play-action fakes, and his first step is often in the wrong direction. Effective safeties retreat instantly on pass plays and approach the line of scrimmage against the run. He doesn’t do either correctly on a consistent basis.
• Eye-discipline is lacking for an experienced player. Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota and Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook each were able to manipulate his movement through looking him off, and this led to touchdowns in each game.

Year	Team	Tackles	PD	INT
2010	Stanford	6	0	0
2012	Stanford	47	9	6
2013	Stanford	86	4	1

Personal Notes

• Missed his sophomore season due to a knee injury.
• His father, Ed Reynolds II, played professional football for the New England Patriots (1983-1991) and New York Giants (1992).
• He's graduating with a degree in political science.

Ratings Chart

Graph made by http://nces.ed.gov

Overall

Reynolds isn’t a standout athlete, and to become an adequate starter, he will need to with more consistent fundamentals and increased instincts. Early in his career, Reynolds will have to contribute on special teams while he develops his game. He will likely end up as a backup and special-teams contributor.

Draft Projection: Sixth Round