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MANHATTAN, KS - OCTOBER 14:  Returner D.J. Reed #2 of the Kansas State Wildcats returns a kick-off against the TCU Horned Frogs during the first half on October 14, 2017 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas.  (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
MANHATTAN, KS - OCTOBER 14: Returner D.J. Reed #2 of the Kansas State Wildcats returns a kick-off against the TCU Horned Frogs during the first half on October 14, 2017 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images

DJ Reed NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for San Francisco 49ers' Pick

Matt Miller
Apr 28, 2018

POSITIVES

โ€”Slot cornerback profile with excellent return skills added into the mix.

โ€”Athletic, fluid player in coverage who has some dog in his physicality.

โ€”Aggressive, Tasmanian devil type who flies all over the field; comes up hard against the run.

โ€”Coaches and scouts loved his work ethic, football IQ and confidence.

โ€”Quick in short areas and has the right athleticism to play in a slot or nickel role.

NEGATIVES

โ€”Position-specific player who will only be drafted to handle the slot and return game. Limited positional upside.

โ€”Doesn't have the length to press and alter the release of wide receivers.

โ€”Can be beaten up in man coverage by bigger, taller receivers.

โ€”Lack of long speed might keep him off the field in three-DB sets.

OVERALL

D.J. Reed is fun to watch on film, but there are concerns about his size (5'9", 188 lbs) and speed (4.51-second 40-yard dash) that could push him down to a Day 3 spot. A team drafting specifically for slot or nickel duty with some return skills thrown in will love his on- and off-field tools.

GRADE: 5.80 (Round 4)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Mackensie Alexander, Minnesota Vikings