D.J. Reader NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Texans Rookie

POSITIVES

An old-school nose tackle prospect holding down the middle of the Clemson defense, D.J. Reader is a good enough athlete that he played first baseman for the Tigers baseball team in 2013 before committing to football full time.

Reader is a big man with impressive length (33 ⅝”) on a frame that stays between 325 and 340 pounds. Even at his top weight, he doesn’t look sloppy or poorly conditioned. Reader knows how to use that weight to build power and gain leverage for a bull rush up the gut.

He’s an athletic big man and can get enough push through the line to reset the pocket and cause pressure. Reader did an excellent job setting up sacks for outside pressure men off his initial push in the pocket. When asked to pursue the ball on rushing downs, Reader can track the ball and will make tackles in space.

NEGATIVES

It’s unfortunate to mention as a negative, but Reader did step away from the team for six weeks to start the season after the death of his dad in 2014. His performance in the eight games he did see the field in was impressive enough to get him a combine invite.

The biggest fix for Reader will be getting off of blocks better with his hands. He too often leans on blockers and doesn’t get that push with his arms to create space. His balance and ability to play up throughout the play are questionable.

Reader’s burst off the line won’t draw rave reviews, and teams must know they’re getting a gap-eater and not a penetrator when they see his film. If a 3-4 team likes his ability to play on first and second down as a nose tackle, Reader is worthy of a mid-round selection.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 327 lbs.

40 Time: 5.33s

3-Cone: 7.90s

Short Shuttle: 4.71s

PRO COMPARISON: Damon Harrison, New York Giants
FINAL GRADE: 5.60/9.00 (Round 5—Backup Caliber)