Weaknesses:
Summary: Reyes has been one of the best defensive linemen in the Big East the past few seasons. The versatile defender caused consistent disruption for the Huskies. He could fit somewhere in any NFL defense and probably could play multiple positions.
Reyes saw his first playing time as redshirt freshman, but his best season was his senior year. He was very tough on offensive lines in 2011, totaling 46 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sack. Reyes was a forceful run defender who offered some pass rush. He routinely beat offensive linemen in the one-on-one drills at the Senior Bowl. He has a powerful bull rush to go along with some surprising speed rushes. The North defensive linemen really struggled with blocking him all week.
Reyes had a superb Combine. He had an ultra-fast 40 time of 4.79 seconds and did well in the field drills. Reyes struggled to redirect in games, but at the Combine, he was very athletic.
In watching Reyes, he was inconsistent with his closing speed. During the games, Reyes would break away from his blocker, but be unable to get sacks as he was slow to close on the quarterback. Reyes looked completely different at the Senior Bowl, collapsing the pocket in an instant. It is hard to define what he will do in that regard in the NFL, as he could go either direction. It is possible that Reyes could turn into a two-down defender who is taken out of the game in certain pass-rushing situations.
Scheme versatility helps Reyes’ draft stock as he should have the flexibility to be a 4-3 defensive tackle or a 3-4 defensive end. Reyes has played a lot of positions along the defensive line. Connecticut had him playing a two-gap technique, three-technique, zero-technique at nose tackle and defensive end. He even did some stand-up rush linebacker. Reyes is a fringe first-rounder who could go in the top 32, but may slip into the second round.
Player Comparison: Ron Edwards. Reyes reminds me of Panthers’ defensive tackle Edwards. After some productive seasons for the Chiefs, Edwards missed the 2011 season with an injury. Edwards (6-3, 315) is tough at the point of the attack and is strong against the run. If Reyes fills out his frame in the NFL, he could be very similar to Edwards.
NFL Matches: Denver, Green Bay, New England, St. Louis, Carolina
Reyes could be an option for a lot of teams late in the first round and early in the second round. The Broncos badly need a defensive tackle, and Reyes could be the best one available if there is a run at the position.
Green Bay could use a five-technique defensive end and missed Cullen Jenkins in 2011. If the best pass-rushers are gone, the Packers could consider Reyes with their first-rounder. The Patriots also need a five-technique defensive end, and Reyes has the flexibility to play tackle in their 4-3 sets. Reportedly, New England likes him a lot.
If Reyes falls into the second round, he could be an option for the Rams with the 33rd pick. St. Louis needs help at tackle, and Reyes could be a nice fit. The Panthers could also consider a tackle in the second round depending on what happens in Round 1. If he falls in the second round, Reyes could be an option for the Chargers as they look to build up their defensive line.
Reyes has taken pre-draft visits to the Broncos, Raiders and Chargers.
RELATED LINKS:
2012 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2012 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2012 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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2025 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 20
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