Kalan Reed has flown under pretty much everyone's radar this season. I'm here to tell you that this kid is the real deal. Reed was a three-star corner coming out of high school by Rivals.com, Scout.com and ESPN. He hopped into the fold immediately, seeing game action in all 12 games totaling 21 tackles, one for loss and two pass break ups.
He started 10 of 12 games in his sophomore season (2012), recording 41 tackles, 2.5 for loss and 5 PBU's. He then went on in 2014 to start every game on the season, garnering 34 tackles and two interceptions. Reed then had one of the most productive seasons in Southern Mississippi history, racking up 56 tackles and an astonishing 19 pass break ups (very impressive no matter what conference you play in).
The Basics
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 199 lbs
40 Yard Dash: 4.38
How He Compares To Other Cornerbacks
Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State: 4.40 40 yard dash, 13 BPR
James Bradberry, CB, Samford, 4.40 40 yard dash, 16 BPR, 124" broad jump
Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida: 4.50 40 yard dash, 15 BPR, 130" broad jump
Kevin Peterson, CB, Oklahoma State: 4.66 40 yard dash, 14 BPR, 121" broad jump
Maurice Canady, CB, Virginia: 4.49 40 yard dash, 16 BPR, 125" broad jump
The Rundown
Positives:
- More than willing to come up in run support - a physical defender who is unafraid to get his nose dirty
- Exceptional athlete who can stick with receivers like glue downfield - locates the ball well and has the hops to go up and come down with it
- A fluid, twitchy athlete with incredible burst and straight-line speed
Negatives:
- Film commonly shows Reed over pursuing the run
- Often is standing flat-footed when attempting to bring down a ball carrier
- Doesn't seem to have a gauge on route anticipation
Conclusion
At the end of day, Reed is one of the biggest sleepers in this draft. He showcases effective hand-usage at the line of scrimmage, speed to burn and the willingness to hit in the run-game. Considering he lacks ideal length, Reed should be utilized as a nickel corner in more of a zone-scheme. Reed's ceiling is high and I am willing to bet a team takes a chance on him late in the draft.