Examining the Haason Reddick Pick

The 2017 NFL Draft is down to six rounds. The Cardinals opened it up with the selection of Haason Reddick, a Defensive Lineman from Temple. The Cardinals left the second best Safety on the board, Malik Hooker.

During a number of post pick interviews, Arians and Keim were high on Reddick. Arians even went as far as comparing Reddick to Broncos Linebacker, Von Miller. Whether that comparison is warranted or not, will be seen.

Haason Reddick is an interesting selection. He rose to recognition following a breakout performance at the Senior Bowl. During practices we was tried as an Inside Linebacker, showcasing an impressive understanding at the position for someone who had never played it.

During the whole pre Draft process teams looked at him for the move. At the Combine, Reddick tested with the defensive Linemen. He lead the class with a blazing 4.52 40, which was the second best fourty among Linebackers as well. His 133 broad jump was best in both groups. Reddick posted a 36.5 vertical, third among defensive linemen, but second among linebackers. Reddick managed 24, 225 reps, second among linebackers, but did not come close to the Top 10 among linemen.

Reddick walked on at Temple as a Cornerback. He transitioned to Linebacker, but was listed as a Lineman his Sophomore to Senior year. Reddick steadily improved every year. He posted 65 tackles, 22.5 tackles for a loss, and 9.5 sacks his senior season. Reddick shows his corner skills in coverage, fully displaying them in the Senior Bowl.

Reddick led all 3-4 OLB’s in pressures off the left side with 31 in 127 rushes, sacking opposing Quarterbacks eight times.

At 6’1, 237 , Reddick is on the smaller side. He’s nearly an identical mold of Deon Bucannon. Reddick is projected as a weak inside linebacker in the NFL, which makes sense due to his size.

One negative regarding Reddick would be his age. Reddick will turn 23 during the season, and while 23 is nothing outrageous, it is a year older than I typically like.

While Reddick does have good fundamentals when it comes to tackling, he does tend to miss his fair share. Reddick missed a tackle in 20% of his attempts in 2016, and missed 19% of his attempts on average his final three seasons.

Reddick is an incredibly athletic and aggressive player. His aggressiveness, puts him in bad positions at times, as he will over pursue in an attempt to bring down players in the backfield.

With all that said, Reddick physically looks like he could be a fantastic selection at 13. While he will be learning a new position, he will have an opportunity to play behind Karlos Dansby and Deone Bucannon. Depending on the decision for Daryl Washington, he too could be added to mentor Reddick on the field. (Leave the off field mentoring to Bucannon, Bethea, and Dansby).

What’s your thoughts on the selection? Discuss in the comments below, and don’t forget to vote on your grade on the selection as well!

*All stats courtesy of Pro Football Focus

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