San Diego Chargers Select Kendall Reyes, DT, UConn 2012 NFL Draft Grade

With the 49th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers have selected Kendall Reyes, DT, UConn

Here is our report on Reyes:

Pros:

Athletic with long arms…quick…does a good job of stacking and shedding the blocker to make plays in the run game…a good number of splash plays…Versatile and could fit in multiple fronts, but might be best suited to play the 5 technique…is a guy who has good instincts…does a terrific job of knocking footballs down with his long arms…some upside as a pass rusher (especially as a 43 DT)…a team captain who is reportedly has a terrific work ethic…has active hands…has been durable

Cons:

Needs to get a stronger base to be a really good 34 defensive end…needs to improve his pad level…doesn’t have great closing speed, which could limit him a bit as a pass rusher, though he has some upside there (could be good not great pass rusher, but needs to work on a few things to get there)…doesn’t have an array of pass rusher moves…he’s quick, but doesn’t always get off the snap quick…frame maxed out? He’s added over 50 pounds since high school

Thoughts:

Reyes is a tall, long athletic defensive linemen who has versatility in a 43 or 34 scheme. Reyes needs to play more consistent, whether that’s a conditioning issue or improving his overall technique. He offers upside because of his length and athleticism.

Pick Grade: B+

This is a really good value and the chargers are building something really solid on that defensive front seven. Combined with Melvin Ingram, this is a very nice pick. Reyes is a big, athletic kid with pass rush potential.