Meet and Greet: Brooks Reed

One player that is gaining momentum going into the draft process is Arizona defensive end, Brooks Reed. Ryan Lownes sits down with the pass rusher before the NFL Scouting Combine.

Lownes: What is your accurate height/weight?
Reed: 6′ 1/2 260lbs

You’re an NFL scout with the task of breaking down Brooks Reed, what are the pros/cons?
Pros: hard working, hard playing, instinctive, pass rusher
Cons: undersized as a 4-3 DE, played limited stamd up backer is college

Since you stepped on campus at Arizona, in what area have you experienced the greatest improvement?
My instinctiveness, speed, and strength.

Many are projecting you to make the switch from college Defensive End to NFL Linebacker. Why is this a good fit for you? In a 4-3 front, do you think you function well as a two-down Strong-side LB and third down edge-rusher at DE?
I have prototypical size speed and strength to play that position and I am athletic enough to make the transition from a 4-3 DE to a 3-4 stand up linebacker. Yes, or I could be seen as a situational 4-3 DE, especially on passing downs.

By all accounts, you had a very strong week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile. Describe the benefits of that week and the number one thing you took from your first taste of NFL coaching.
I used the Senior Bowl as a way for coaches and scouts to get a better look at me competing with the best in the country. I understood that I needed to get their attention because I went into the senior bowl kind of overshadowed by some higher profile guys. The best benefit from that experience was being coached by NFL coaches. I learned allot in that small period of time.

How have you been training and preparing for the upcoming NFL Combine?
I am training at API located in Phoenix Arizona for the past 2 months along with some position coaching with Barry Gardner (linebacker coach). These last 8 weeks have been pretty intense getting ready for the senior bowl and combine.

In what area/s do you think you will surprise coaches, scouts, and fans at the Combine? Anything in particular you’re looking forward to in Indianapolis?
I am hoping to beat expectations in my 40 and position drills, especially linebacker drills. I am looking forward to meeting all the coaches during the interview process, guys I have always seen on TV.

Which NFL team was your favorite growing up? Was or is there any player(s) that you model your game after or enjoy watching most?
I never followed any NFL teams growing up, I followed college ball mostly. I enjoy watching Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, the best pass rushing combo in the league.

The best player, also coming out in this draft, that you had to face at Arizona?
Shane Vereen (California)

Do you have any specific or general Draft Day goals? (1st Round, 2nd-3rd Round, etc.)
Higher the better, honestly I would be honored to be drafted any round. The only thing I can control is my performance at the combine and proday and let the rest take care of itself. It has been a goal of mine to play in the NFL since I was in popwarner, and to play for any NFL team regardless of what round im drafted is good for me.

Best of luck with the upcoming Combine, there’s no doubt in my mind that you’ll be turning heads there. Also, good luck with the remainder of the pre-draft process and I hope that you land in a great place/situation for you and your family. Thanks again, I really appreciate it.