Reddy Steward Draft Networking Interview: 'I Can Play Wherever I’m Needed' (Interviews)
Interviews

Reddy Steward Draft Networking Interview: 'I Can Play Wherever I’m Needed'

Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
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Troy cornerback Reddy Steward is among the most underrated defensive backfield prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Steward departs the Trojans with 181 career tackles, 42 pass breakups, and nine interceptions. Steward’s ball skills and ability to create takeaways will intrigue NFL franchises.

Steward recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his career at Troy, playing both the outside and nickel positions, his recent appearance at the Hula Bowl, his NFL-ready-made ball skills, and more.

JM: You depart Troy with 181 career tackles, 42 pass breakups, and nine interceptions. What an outstanding career you enjoyed in the Sun Belt. How do you look back on it?

Reddy Steward: I just appreciate Troy for giving me the opportunity to play college football. I look back on it as a developmental period of my life. I developed throughout my years at Troy and got better and smarter every single season. When I look back at those numbers, I think about the hard work that went into my development.

JM: The ball skills are especially eye-popping. You had 29 pass breakups and seven interceptions over the past two seasons alone. What do you think it is about your game that led to such ball production?

Reddy Steward: The main thing that led to that ball production was me watching film. I have great study habits when it comes to watching game tape on my opponents. When I was a younger player, I didn’t see the film as well as I do now. It feels like I was just watching the game.

These last few seasons as I got older, I started seeing the film in a different way. That development helped me get my hands on more passes. The honest truth is that film study helped me play faster.

JM: The Hula Bowl had you listed at 5-foot-10, 176 pounds. Do you see yourself predominantly playing outside or at nickel at the next level?

Reddy Steward: Honestly, I can play wherever I’m needed. I feel like I’m a versatile player. Wherever a team wants me to play, I really feel like I can play every position in the defensive backfield. 

I played both nickel and outside cornerback at Troy. I feel comfortable playing wherever I’m needed. I’m not focused on one main position when I get to the league. I want to be versatile.

JM: What do you think you proved to scouts in attendance at the Hula Bowl?

Reddy Steward: I went against a lot of Power Five competition throughout practices. I think I proved I could hang at that level. That was the main thing scouts wanted to see from me. I went to Troy so of course I was facing those big competition questions.

I proved I could play against those caliber athletes. Having success against those guys throughout the week gave me a ton of confidence. I showed the scouts that I could compete against anybody.

My interviews also went very well. I had a bunch of great interviews with a bunch of great NFL teams. I met with a ton of scouts. They learned who I am as a person and where I come from. They know more about how Reddy Steward sees football now. I proved that I’m a smart player.

JM: Which NFL teams did you meet with extensively at Hula?

Reddy Steward: I can think of some teams off the top of my head. I know one of those teams was the Chicago Bears, and another was the Denver Broncos. I feel like those two teams stood out to me because they actually made me get on the whiteboard. We wrote down a couple of my plays as I showcased my football IQ.

We went through multiple positions on the whiteboard with the Broncos and Bears. When I met with the Broncos, they were asking me questions about playing the nickel. I didn’t play a lot of nickel this past season, my senior season, but I think they were impressed with my knowledge of the nickel position. I spent more time with the Broncos and Bears than anybody else.

I had a longer meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers as well. We had a great talk about football and my production. They wanted to talk about me playing nickel and boundary corner as well. We discussed special teams too.

JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We’ve appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their 2024 NFL Draft picks on Reddy Steward?

Reddy Steward: I feel like I can address multiple needs for a team through my versatility. My work ethic speaks for itself. Coming from Troy, I’m used to playing with a chip on my shoulder. I’ve had to earn everything I have.

I just want to prove myself against the best talent at the highest level. I’m looking for an opportunity to showcase my abilities on the field. Work ethic and football IQ will take me a long way. Every team would benefit from adding a guy like that.



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