Desmond Reid 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Buffalo Bills RB

The Buffalo Bills are reportedly signing Pittsburgh RB Desmond Reid as an undrafted rookie free agent, per Greg Auman of Fox Sports.

Desmond Reid is an undersized change-of-pace running back prospect who is an impactful receiver out of the backfield.

The 5'8", 175-pound running back entered Western Carolina as a 3-star recruit in the 2022 class. He spent two productive years at Western Carolina before transferring to Pittsburgh.

In the NFL, Reid projects as a rotational running back in the passing game and a dynamic punt returner.

Dame Parson is the lead host of the Locked On NFL Draft podcast. He also serves as co-host of the Scouting Room NFL Podcast alongside Daniel Harms.

Highlights

Desmond Reid Highlights

00:52

Scroll down for the full scouting report.

Where He Wins

Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images

- Natural pass-catcher out of the backfield with ball-tracking ability on wheel/rail routes down the field.

- Quick and elusive mover in space to make defenders miss in a phone booth.

- Presses the line of scrimmage with patience and vision to locate open lanes.

- Runs hard and will lower his shoulder to finish a run and fall forward. Uses his leverage advantage to strike free-running linebackers in pass pro.

- Core special teams upside as a reliable punt returner.

Areas of Improvement

G Fiume/Getty Images

- Undersized running back with a frame that will limit his role and usage in the NFL.

- Will not be viewed as a reliable short-yardage runner.

- Lacks play strength and physical mass to power through arm tackles. Early contact in the backfield can end the play almost simultaneously.

- Good speed but lacks the gear to pull away and be a home run hitter.

Grade, Rank and Pro Comparison

Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

GRADE: 5.56 (Backup/Draftable — 6th-7th Round)

COMPARABLE GRADE: Camerun Peoples, Appalachian State (5.5 in 2023), Travis Dye, USC (5.5 in 2023), Tiyon Evans, Louisville (5.7 in 2023)

OVERALL RANK: 298

POSITION RANK: RB17

PRO COMPARISON: Donnel Pumphrey

Measurables and Testing Data

G Fiume/Getty Images

Height: 5'6"
Weight: 175
HAND: 8¼"
Arm: 28⅛"
Wingspan: 69¾"

40-Yard DASH: N/A
Vertical Jump: N/A
Broad Jump: N/A
3-Cone Drill: N/A
20-Yard Shuttle: N/A
Bench Press: 24