2011 NFL Draft: Dallas Cowboys Potential Pick—Brooks Reed, DE/OLB
In myย 2011 Big Board, I rated the defensive ends as follows:
- 1. Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, UNC
- 2. Justin Houston, DE, Georgia
- 3. Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
- 4. Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
- 5. Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Arizona
- 6. Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
- 7. Sam Acho, DE/OLB, Texas
- 8. Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pitt
- 9. Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
In my opinion, Bowers, Clayborn and Kerrigan would be poor fits for a 3-4 system. The others would all transition to outside linebacker.
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To me, Quinn and Houston are a cut above the rest. I know Iโm much higher on Houston than just about anyone, but he appears to be a much safer pick than second-tier players such as Bowers and Clayborn, both of whom have concerns about their body.
At the end of that second tier are Aldon Smith and todayโs feature, Brooks Reed. Reed has been flying up boards of late, and if the Cowboys are unsatisfied with their outside linebackers, Reed will be an option.
Itโs worth noting that defensive coordinator Rob Ryan thinks highly of the Cowboysโ current outside linebackers, as he shouldโI graded DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer and Victor Butler as the teamโs first-, ninth- and third-most efficient playersย in 2010, respectively.
Scouting Report
As a defensive end in college, Brooks Reed would transition to outside linebacker in the Cowboysโ 3-4 scheme. The major issue with this move would be Reedโs ability to drop into coverage. He hasnโt done it in the past, and I donโt think heโd excel at it in the future. Reedโs later mobility is rather poor, and he doesnโt appear to have great hips.
Nonetheless, Reed has been moving up draft boards due to his insane 1.54 10-yard split at the combine. I donโt see that burst on tape. That isnโt to say Reed is a poor player. He does show some explosion and quicknessโjust not to that degree. Iโd rate his โget-offโ as only average.
Reedโs pass-rush arsenal is rather diversified. He possesses solid spin and rip moves, as well as bull and speed rushes. None of these moves is sensational, but all are above average. Reed is an intense, high-motor player who will work hard to improve at the next level.
Against the run, Reed sometimes has trouble shedding blockers. Heโs not a liability against the run, but it isnโt the strongest part of his game either. Reedโs production against both the run and the pass was never outstanding.
Overall, Reed seems to be a rather safe pick. His work ethic and solid athleticism make it unlikely heโll be a bust, which is exactly what you want in a high-round draft pick. If the Cowboys are seeking a rush linebacker with a ton of upside, Reed isnโt their guy.
Projection
With Reed projected to possibly go at the end of the first round, heโd be an option for Dallas in the second. I personally donโt think the โBoys need an outside linebacker that high, but if Von Miller and Robert Quinn are options in the first round, Reed could be so as well in the second.
Other Potential Dallas Cowboys Draft Picks in 2011
