When talking about the best edge rushers in the NFL a few names will come up before Haason Reddick, but he should be mentioned at the top.
Nick Bosa may have locked down the NFL Defensive Player of the Year to some, but Philadelphia Eagles pass rusher Haason Reddick deserves some serious consideration. Unfortunately, no one is talking about him. In fact, turn on any NFL show and you’ll hear an NFL analyst praising a defensive player in NFC East and it’s not Reddick. Maybe tied to the fact that he played for three different franchises over the last three seasons. Either way, it’s time to put some respect on Reddick’s name.
The former first-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals has had a standout season in 2022, and his impressive performance on the field has earned him consideration for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Yet he is the most underrated defensive player in the NFL.
As an outside linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles, Reddick has consistently been a force to be reckoned with. He has recorded an impressive 16 sacks in 16 games, leading the league in that category. In addition to his pass-rushing skills, Reddick has also been a strong run defender and excels in coverage. He has the speed and athleticism to keep up with receivers and tight ends and is not afraid to get physical in the run game.
Reddick is the ideal outside linebacker for the modern game. The 6’1″ 235-pound linebacker has the versatility and ability to contribute in multiple areas of defense makes him unique. As a pass rusher, Reddick has consistently been able to get to the quarterback and has recorded 11 or more sacks in each of the last three seasons. He’s the first NFL player to have double-digit sacks in three straight seasons, with three different teams.
Passing rushing is just one part of Reddick’s skillset. The Pro Bowl linebacker also excels in coverage. He has the speed and athleticism to keep up with receivers and tight ends. It’s a skill that dates back to his days in college. Eagles defensive coordinator, Jonathan Gannon believes Reddick would have had a lot more sacks if he didn’t use him in coverage.
He also has a knack for knocking the ball loose. His five forced fumbles currently lead the NFL. While he’s not the biggest linebacker, he’s shown the ability to contribute in the run game as well.
Reddick’s ability to contribute in all three phases of defense makes Reddick a valuable asset to any team. He is not one-dimensional and can be utilized in a variety of ways, making him a difficult player for offenses to prepare for. His versatility and all-around skills make him a unique and valuable player at the outside linebacker position.
The six-year pro’s impressive play and leadership on the field make him a strong contender for Defensive Player of the Year. His versatility and impact on the defense have helped lead the Eagles to a successful season, and he deserves recognition for his efforts. Surly Haason Reddick doesn’t care about the media coverage, but a DPOY award would look nice on his resume.