Seahawks: 20 most interesting players in 2017 – #19 Jarran Reed
By ColPatnode
As we continue unveiling our list of the 20 most interesting Seahawks for the 2017 season, we head to the defensive line. However, we are not here to talk about Cliff Avril, Frank Clark or Michael Bennett. Instead, our #19 most interesting Seahawk is second year player Jarran Reed.
Before we dive in, if you missed our series primer you can read the outline for our top 20 most interesting Seahawks here.
Reed, the second round pick from the 2016 NFL Draft, is a big defensive lineman from Alabama. He handles the nose tackle position, and was seen as a huge “steal” for the Seahawks in the draft, as a run-stuffing cog in the middle of the line. However, his rookie season was a mixed bag.
Most of the time, Reed played to a satisfactory level in the run game. He held the point well, and at times demanded some double teams.
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By contrast, he was a non-factor in the passing game. He did get his hands on three passes, but only had 1.5 sacks in 2016.
The Seahawks did not add a run-stuffing nose tackle and Tony McDaniel recently signed elsewhere. They are counting on Reed to hold the point at the nose and heir run defense will be the major factor in the success of their season.
Seattle needs Reed to at least make incremental improvements in the run game, while being an anchor of the run game, along with veteran Ahtyba Rubin. If he can improve in the passing game, it could take pressure off of rookie Malik McDowell to contribute right away.
Either way, if Reed can become a disruptive force instead of a simple satisfactory performer, Seattle’s defense could return to the top of NFL leader boards. Reed has proven he is a solid NFL role player, but as a second round pick, Seahawks fans should expect more from him.
Top 20 List:
20. Blair Walsh 19. Jarran Reed
Next: 5 Seahawks' players under the most pressure in camp
What’s your take on how Reed performed during his rookie season? Further, what kind of production are you predicting for him in 2017? Share your thoughts in the comments section.