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Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 First-round targets in 2018 NFL Draft

By Donnie Druin

BATON ROUGE, LA - OCTOBER 01: Derrius Guice
BATON ROUGE, LA - OCTOBER 01: Derrius Guice /
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SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES – AUGUST 27: Justin Reid of Stanford catches the ball as Justin Bickham of Rice attempts to spoil during the College Football Sydney Cup match between Stanford University (Stanford Cardinal) and Rice University (Rice Owls) at Allianz Stadium on August 27, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brook Mitchell/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES – AUGUST 27: Justin Reid of Stanford catches the ball as Justin Bickham of Rice attempts to spoil during the College Football Sydney Cup match between Stanford University (Stanford Cardinal) and Rice University (Rice Owls) at Allianz Stadium on August 27, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brook Mitchell/Getty Images) /

Justin Reid, S, Stanford

Justin Reid is the brother of Eric Reid, a first round pick in 2013 who plays the same position. Older brother Eric can flat-out play, and his brother must’ve been drinking the same juice he was. Starting 11 games last season, Reid compiled 99 tackles with five interceptions and six passes defended as well. Reid also earned first team all Pac-12 honors to go along with second team AP All American honors as well.

Reid does many things well, yet one of the most appealing facets to his game are his instincts and intelligence. Reid always seems to find himself in the right spots at the right time, whether it be crashing down on a running lane or closing in on a receiver to defend a pass. It also helps that Reid has impressive ball skills and can play in the box as a safety as well.

Considered one of the safer picks in the draft, you really can’t go wrong with selecting Reid on your team. His value is seen as Mid-first to early second round, but Reid finds himself in a top-heavy safety class with the likes of Derwin James and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Reid has proved himself ready to take the next leap and play at a high level in the pros.

Strengths

Terrific ball skills. Can be lined up anywhere. Excellent in run support. Athleticism allows him to make splash plays on defense. Intelligent football player who knows when to be physical.

Weaknesses

Does not display top-end speed. Hesitant to leave him one-on-one with exceptional speedster/route runner. Hips could be more fluid when turning to run.

How he fits with the Steelers

Reid would have the luxury of learning under Morgan Burnett, one of the more respected safeties in recent time. Someday being paired with Sean Davis, this pick would generate a strong defensive secondary that includes Joe Haden and Artie Burns as well. Reid has the tools and playmaking ability to anchor down a young Steelers defense for years to come.

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