Seattle Seahawks: Revisiting the botched 2016 NFL Draft

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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 30: Quarterback Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled by linebacker Bobby Wagner #54 and defensive tackle Jarran Reed #90 of the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Second Round: Jarran Reed

Jarran Reed was circled entering the season (by myself and others) in regards to players who needed to step up in 2018. He was taken with the 49th overall pick out of Alabama, which already shows you just how promising he was.

However, Reed made modest contributions to the Seahawks during his first two seasons in the league. As a rookie he played in 15 games, six of which he started, recorded 34 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks and three passes defensed. Then, in 2017, he played in another 15 games, all of which he started, and recorded 45 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a pass defensed.

Up to that point, Reed’s greatest contributions came against the run. He wasn’t chasing after the quarterback much. In fact, Pro Football Reference (PFR) credited him with just 12 quarterback hits through those two seasons. He wasn’t making many splash plays either, with just five tackles for loss. Things all changed in 2018 though.

In his third season, Reed had a breakout year, just like he needed too. He played in and started all 16 games and set career highs in a lot of categories. His base stat line on the year was 50 combined tackles, 10.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries. PFR also credited Reed with 12 tackles for loss and 24 quarterback hits. It’s safe to say that Reed is the star of Seattle’s 2016 draft class.

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