NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Pittsburgh RB Desmond Reid

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

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Scroll down for the full scouting report.

Where He Wins

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- 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

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- 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

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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

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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