NFL Prospect Focus: Ed Reynolds and Deone Bucannon
Ed Reynolds – Safety – Stanford
Size – 6010 – 207 – 4.57
Strong Points – Size, anticipation, instincts, zone coverage, hands, run support
Weak Points – Production fell off in 2013, play speed, man cover, just adequate range
2013 Stats – 87 total tackles, one interception, four passes broken up
Summation – Reynolds is a fourth-year junior and a two-year starter. He redshirted in 2010 and missed the entire 2011 season with an ACL injury. He came back to start in 2012 and 2013 and had six interceptions in 2012. His dad played in the NFL for both the Patriots and Giants.
Reynolds has ideal safety size at 6010 – 207, but he is just an average athlete with average play speed. He timed 4.57 at the combine but plays like a 4.60+ type. He is an average athlete, has good body control and change of direction, but lacks any quick twitch to his movement. He is not explosive, as evidenced by his jumps (32.5, 9’9”).
He plays free safety and has good instincts and anticipation. He reads things well and does a good job keeping plays in front of him. He does an adequate job getting to the sideline from the hash in zone because of his ability to read plays. He has good ball skills to go along with good hands. His interception production really fell off in 2013, getting only one after having six in 2012.
He isn't asked to play much man coverage, as he lacks the quick twitch and suddenness needed. He is best if matched up versus a back or tight end, as he can struggle with a fast receiver. He is willing in run support, reacting quickly and is a consistent tackler.
Reynolds is the prototypical over-achiever. He is not a special athlete but he is a good football player. He gets by on his instincts and toughness and has the ability to be an eventual starter in the right situation. He should probably have stayed in school another year.
Grade – B 6.5
Deone Bucannon – Safety – Washington State
Size – 6010 – 211 – 4.49
Strong Points – Very good size, interception production, run support, can try to be physical, zone coverage, plays on special teams' coverage units
Weak Points – Misses a lot of tackles (seven in first three games viewed), doesn't consistently take good angles, has some tightness in his hips, not playing to timed speed
2013 Stats – 114 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions for 110 return yards
Summation – Bucannon has been a starter since midway through his freshman year at Washington State. He has excellent size at 6010 – 207 to go along with very good timed speed (4.49 at combine). While he tests out very well, he doesn’t play that way. He looks more like a 4.55 guy on tape and has some tightness in his hips that hurts his ability to turn quickly in man coverage.
Bucannon has good, not great instincts. He will misdiagnose some things, and at times, can be a little late to read. Still, he is often around the ball and makes plays.
He is usually a good run support player who will come up and try and make plays in the box. He can get out of control and is not a top tackler. While he makes a lot of tackles, he also misses a lot. He doesn’t wrap up and often lowers his head and loses sight of his target.
When in coverage, he is best in zone. He gets depth and usually does a good job keeping plays in front of him. He has range and awareness. I saw a couple of interceptions where a teammate was beaten, yet he got over to make the play. He has good hands and can adjust to the ball.
He is inconsistent in man. He doesn’t have the hips or suddenness needed to mirror with any consistency. He is best versus shorter routes. He can struggle with a speedy, athletic receiver, and his transition is just average.
Bucannon is an interesting guy. He makes plays and is aggressive but he also gives up or misses too many plays. He has to settle down and concentrate more. I see him as a strong safety at the next level with a solid chance to be an eventual starter. He should go somewhere in the third or fourth round.
Grade B 6.5
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This story originally appeared on Nationalfootballpost.com
