Fansided
Fansided

D.J. Reader, DT, Clemson: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Shawn Spencer

Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle D.J. Reader (48) reacts during the third quarter of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle D.J. Reader (48) reacts during the third quarter of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Player Summary

D.J. Reader, a 2012 three-star recruit, started 10 of 47 career games at Clemson. Primarily lines up at the one technique in Clemson’s 4-3 front. Spent first three seasons behind 2015 fifth-round pick Grady Jarrett on the depth chart.

Missed the first six games of the 2015 season for personal reasons. Finished college career with 123 tackles, five sacks and 23 QB pressures. Solid height/weight with a bulky frame and adequate athletic ability.

Player Info

Class: Senior

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 340 lbs.

Arm Length: 32-5/8 inches

Hand Size: 9 inches

Games Watched

2015: Alabama, Florida State, Miami, Oklahoma, Senior Bowl

Strengths

Good mental processing skills as he diagnoses the play and reacts quickly. Maintains a low pad level to gain immediate leverage over offensive linemen. Against the run, displays very good play strength by holding his ground and not getting pushed off the line of scrimmage. Solid lateral quickness as he moves down the line to chase the ball carrier.

An example of Reader’s lateral quickness and awareness can be seen in the play below. Here we see Reader line up at RDT against Alabama left guard Ross Pierschbacher. The pitch play is designed to go outside to the offense’s left. The entire offensive line is moving left with the play, however Reader recognizes what is happening and prevents Pierschbacher from reaching the second level of the defense.

As a result, two Clemson linebackers are able to get into the backfield and slow running back Derrick Henry. It may not seem like a lot, but forcing the Heisman winner to hesitate in the backfield gives Reader enough time to work his way down the line of scrimmage and bring down the ball carrier.

Now that play went for a three-yard gain, but Reader also does a good job attacking his opponent’s backfield. In the next play, we see Oklahoma try to block Reader with the right tackle. The low man wins this battle as Reader gains immediate leverage. He squares up the running back and shows off a good closing burst before finishing the play with a physical tackle in the backfield.

In the passing game, solid ability to pressure the quarterback by closing the pocket and preventing the QB from stepping up. The bull rush is his go-to move, but he has a solid repertoire of moves, including a swim and rip.

More from Scouting Reports

Weaknesses

Marginal get-off at the snap as he doesn’t explode out of his stance as a result of adequate athletic ability. Does not initiate contact with hands, allowing offensive linemen to get their hands inside his shoulder pads. This creates balance issues for Reader as he loses leverage and becomes top heavy.

That is evident on this play against Florida State. FSU freshman center Alec Eberle is able to get his hands inside and underneath the arms of Reader. From there, he uses the defensive tackle’s momentum against him and throws him to the ground.

The play also gives us a good look at another weakness of Reader’s. He struggles to shed blocks as a result of marginal functional strength and hand usage. When unable to reach the QB, he fails to get his hands into passing lanes to deflect passes.

The biggest question mark with Reader may be his competitive toughness. He quit the team for a period of time during the 2015 season before returning after six games. NFL teams will use the interview period at the Scouting Combine to judge whether or not he has the mental toughness and desire to play football.

Overall

Overall, D.J. Reader is a backup one-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense who wins with leverage and power. 3-4 teams may be interested in him as well, but he needs more development before he can be a two-gap, run-stuffing nose tackle. His combination of size and athleticism alone is worth a late-round pick, but his desire will be scrutinized. Where he ends up in the draft (or if he’s selected at all) will be heavily influenced by his interviews with NFL clubs.

Next: NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up at the Combine

Stay on top of the NFL Combine this week with the NFL Mocks Live Combine Tracker. We will have up to the minute workout results from Indianapolis for all of your favorite NFL prospects.

Home/Scouting Reports