Weaknesses:
Summary: When Reed first came to Florida, the Gators’ coaching staff under Urban Meyer knew they had a good talent but weren’t exactly sure what to do with him. After redshirting in 2009, Reed caught only six passes for 79 yards and one touchdown in 2010. That was mainly because Florida had him playing other positions in the majority of his snaps. For instance, he played some spread-option quarterback and completed 26-of-46 passes for 252 yards. Reed also ran for 328 yards and five touchdowns.
As a sophomore, Reed was made a full-time tight end by former offensive coordinator Charlie Weis. Reed took to the position well and flashed some nice receiving ability in Weis’ pro-style system. He caught 28 passes for 307 yards and two touchdowns as sophomore in 2011.
In 2012, Reed had an excellent season for the Gators and led them in receiving. He totaled 45 receptions for 559 yards and three touchdowns. The Gators could have gotten more out of Reed, but sophomore quarterback Jeff Driskel was inconsistent. There were a lot of plays where Reed was open but Driskel didn’t get him the ball. Reed had a costly fumble inside the 10-yard line late in the fourth quarter in a close loss to Georgia when Florida was attempting to tie the score.
Reed is a somewhat raw tight end, but he should be able to contribute as a receiver immediately in the NFL. He is fast and consistently beats man coverage. His route-running is very good, and he has no problem getting separation. Reed is deadly running down the middle seam. He gets downfield quickly and presents mismatch problems for linebackers and safeties.
Reed needs to improve his blocking. It would help him to gain more muscle to take on front seven defenders in the NFL. Early in his career, Reed may not be used on an every-down basis because of his blocking limitations.
Right now, Reed looks like a second-day pick who could easily go in the second round. There are a lot of teams that could use him, so waiting to take him in the third round would be risky. Reed could be the third tight end off the board.
Player Comparison: Aaron Hernandez. Reed has a similar skill set to his mentor. Over the past few years, Hernandez has tutored Reed. Neither one is a big tight end, but they burn defenses with their quickness and athleticism. Hernandez fell to the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft because of off-the-field issues, but he generally graded out as a second-rounder like Reed. It wouldn’t be surprising if Reed develops into a tight end similar to Hernandez.
NFL Matches: Chicago, Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, Green Bay
There are a number of teams that could target Reed on the second day of the draft. The Bears and Buccaneers both badly want a receiving target to work the middle of the field. They see opportunities there with defenses focused on their outside receivers. Reed would make sense for Chicago or Tampa Bay in the second round.
The Falcons are going to have to replace Tony Gonzalez one of these years, and Reed would offer a lot to them as a receiver. Atlanta would need to develop Reed’s blocking to have a true three-down tight end like Gonzalez.
Miami needs a receiving tight end to work with Ryan Tannehill. Anthony Fasano is a good blocker and decent receiver, but Tannehill needs more weapons to work with. Reed would be a good tight end to work with the Dolphins’ young quarterback. Likewise for Seattle, the Seahawks could use a tight end for Russell Wilson. Reed would be a potential second-round pick for either the Seahawks or Dolphins.
The Packers could have some turnover at tight end this offseason and Reed is a great fit in their offense. Reed would be a nice athletic receiver for Aaron Rodgers.
RELATED LINKS:
2013 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2013 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2013 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
NFL Picks - Nov. 20
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 20
NFL Power Rankings - Nov. 19
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
