Justin Reid Is A Versatile DB On The Rise; The Redskins Could Use His Talent At Several Positions

Justin Reid, S
School: Stanford | Conference: PAC 12
College Experience: Junior | Age: 21?
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 207 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 2nd Round or 3rd Round
NFL Comparison: Duron Harmon

College Statistics

Player Overview

Justin Reid is the younger brother of (soon to be ex?) 49ers safety Eric Reid. The younger Reid is looking to follow in his brother's footsteps by jumping to the NFL and becoming one of the top safeties in the league. There are definitely some similarities between the two. They primarily play strong safety but have experience at free as well as covering the slot. Both are ultra smart (Eric was a top academic performer at LSU and Justin made the PAC 12 academic team at Stanford and intends on finishing his degree). Both can make plays from man or zone coverage. I think Justin Reid is better in coverage than his brother was coming out. He displays decent range and closing speed and will compete at the catch point. He’s disrupted a good number of passes and has come up with some impressive interceptions as well. He also is much stronger than his build indicates and is a sure tackler who is not afraid of contact. Reid will look to have a strong combine performance to boost his stock.

Strengths

• Good height and great athleticism for the position. Has speed to stick with receivers downfield and displays decent range and quickness.
• Physical player that has covered in the deep zone, slot, and on man coverage. Will get into the chest of receivers who are setting up their routes if he is close to the LOS. Willing and enthusiastic tackler who plays with good technique on wrap-ups.
• Will compete at the catch point and fight to knock the ball away. Noticeable improvement in reaction time and ball skills from sophomore to junior year.
• Aggressive in run support and is a guy you can let loose close to the LOS if he's blitzing.

Weaknesses

• Frame is on the leaner side has room to add another 5 - 10 lbs and should probably do so (I wrote this before his official measurement at the combine. He was listed as 6-1 / 204) .
• Not sure if its hesitation or processing speed but can stall when coverage is passed off to him.
• (Not really a weakness?) Despite his experience in coverage at various spots, he’s likely to solidly be an SS (or even Slot CB) in the NFL as he doesn't have the instincts or range to stick as an FS and doesn't have the body yet to be a hybrid LB so versatility translating from college drops off a little.

Let’s see his work:

More Justin Reid videos

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

If the Redskins move on from Su’a Cravens which they are trying to do per reports Reid could be an excellent depth option for the Redskins behind D.J. Swearinger. He shouldn't spend his time solely riding the pine or on special teams though. I really think Reid could get some work as a nickel back and be used to cover slot receivers. While I think he should add some weight in general, I also wouldn't rule out him seeing work as a dime linebacker in certain situations as well. Players like Reid whose talent can extend to multiple positions and situations give teams the luxury of flexibility regarding personnel and open up the playbook on defense. I don’t think there is any reason to move on from Swearinger yet but his contract is up after the 2019 season and if the front office decided to let him walk a guy like Reid definitely has the talent to develop into a quality starter as a strong safety in a couple seasons. The problem for the Redskins is if they were interested in Reid he is likely to test very well at the combine as he has been training hard for it. His results could push him solidly into the second round conversation and unless the team plans on making him a slot CB his rookie year to up his immediate value that draft price may be too rich for a team that no doubt is (or should be) trying to find starter however they can in the draft. Reid's value could be determined by how teams view his position and versatility.