David Reese NFL Draft Scouting Report (Scouting Reports)
Scouting Reports

David Reese NFL Draft Scouting Report

Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
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David Reese, EDGE, California

Size: 

Height: 6’1” (v) | Weight: 238 lbs (v)

Accomplishments:

All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention (2023)

“David Reese is an athletic edge rusher whose tape flashes at times, but he has multiple areas for improvement that muddy both his short and long-term projection.”

Strengths: 

  • First step

  • Twitch

  • Tenacity

  • Evolving skill set

Concerns:

  • Age will limit projection (seventh-year senior)

  • Technique vs. run

  • Hand usage

Film Analysis:

David Reese is an athletic edge rusher whose tape flashes at times, yet lacks multiple areas for improvement that muddy both his short and long-term projection. Former Florida transfer is a unique athlete in the college football landscape, as 2024 will represent his seventh season as a collegiate athlete. Aligned primarily as a five-tech (aligned on the outside shoulder of the tackle).

As a pass rusher, Reese flashes an excellent first step that can quickly put opposing blockers on their heels. Has shown the ability to time up the snap, allowing Reese to explode to the outside shoulder and around the arc (Auburn). Speed is his ‘A’ trait as a pass rusher, but he has not shown a diversified repertoire up to this point. Reese can run into issues quickly against tackles who jump-set him, halting his momentum quickly in the rep. Opponents with good latch strength can keep Reese inside their frame and away from the pocket. While Reese prioritizes his rush lanes to the outside, he has shown the ability to redirect and reroute. He’ll spin off of blocks to work back up toward the pocket and is a defender with the requisite athleticism to chase down less athletic QBs.

As a run defender, Reese is best at sealing the edge rather than deconstructing blocks and working vertically into the backfield. Good reactive athleticism as the end man on zone reads, and a high motor is evident to chase. Reese runs into issues when blockers can establish their hands. He does not tout the strength or technique at this point in time to consistently shed blockers and pursue ball-carriers before they arrive at his gap. Will attempt to push and tug his way out of contact, but he is often yards away from the play once opposing linemen disengage their upper half. In pursuit, Reese has the movement skills of a linebacker.

Overall, Reese presents an athletic profile where improvement is needed in a variety of areas to project him as a depth piece within an NFL defensive front. Explosiveness and athleticism are present, however. Marrying his ability as a technical and fundamental football player in both phases of the game will boost his draft stock in 2024. His age and overall concerns could shy teams away on the first few days of the draft, but his production (eight sacks in 2023) and twitch off the edge could intrigue teams in search of a ball of clay at the position.

Prospect Projection: Priority UDFA

Written By: Ryan Fowler

Exposures: Auburn (2023), Washington State (2023), UCLA (2023)

David Reese NFL Draft Scouting Report



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