Rashaad Reynolds, The Jaguars most intriguing undrafted rookie

Ever year some players slip through the draft and still become successful NFL players. Russell Allen was an undrafted rookie signing and became the Jaguars starting linebacker. People don’t believe it but Wes Welker was an undrafted rookie as was Arian Foster and Josh Cribbs.

The Jaguars signed two guys who are very interesting. The University of Miami QB Stephen Morris is a strange case because he looks to have all the talent but doesn’t quite have a complete picture. Jedd Fisch worked with him at Miami so he is in a good spot.

The other choice is more interesting; Rashaad Reynolds, CB from Oregon State. Rashaad is listed at 5’10” and 190 pounds. He runs a 40 yard dash in under 4.5 seconds but his 20 yard shuttle is a quick 4.0 seconds. He has the ability to change directions quickly. He was first at the combine among CB in the 20 yard shuttle and a top performer in the vertical jump and bench press. He has power and quickness.

Rashaad was the MVP of the Hawaii Bowl when Oregon State beat Boise State.

National Football Post reported this about him:

"Summation – Rashaad is a fifth year senior and a three year starter at right corner. He has good size and he has good athleticism but I don’t see really good top-end play speed. He plays like a 4.50 – 4.52 type. He has loose hips, can stay low in his pedal, and turns well. He does not take extra steps when in transition.He plays in mostly off and zone coverage. In the five games I viewed, I don’t think I saw him in press once. He can get a little loose in off and zone and gives up too many underneath plays. He shows he can turn and mirror receivers on shorter routes, but I have seen him out run by some “go” routes . He has good ball reactions on plays in front of him, shows he can close and make interceptions. When his back is to the ball, he can struggle to find it. He is not an aggressive run support player, often waiting for the play to come to him. He shows average tackling skills, showing he can wrap, but he is not a big hitter. On tape, I have seen both backs and receivers break his tackles and he does have some misses. He can be a bit timid taking on blocks.I can’t get excited about this player, He does flash and has some good movement skills, but he lacks top-end speed and is not very aggressive. I don’t see him ever being better than a third corner and I have to question his special teams’ potential because of his lack of aggressiveness. I see him as a mid-to-late round pick, but if he has a strong workout at the Combine, he could go higher."

Rashaad did have a good combine but he still wasn’t drafted. He is considered a high character guy who is willing to put in the work. I know that he will love being on the Jaguars. He needs to bulk up a bit and work on his cover skills. Every year there is one UDFA that I find interesting and am rooting for. I am hoping Rashaad Reynolds makes the team and will be eager to watch him progress.

Terry O’Brien