2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT
- Name: Reed Blankenship
- Position: Safety
- School: Middle Tennessee State
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 196lbs
Film Watched: Virginia Tech 2021, Charlotte 2021, Western Kentucky 2021
Pro's:
- A predator. 100% motor, and will hunt down the football all day long
- Huge playmaking ability with a tendency for the spectacular
- Joins the party regardless of how many teammates are involved
- When he hits, he HITS; downhill thumper who can fit the run
- Form tackler space, squaring up the receiver
- Steps up in the redzone, with huge goal line stops and pass breakups
- Good on-field instincts, and can sniff out misdirection or screens quickly and effectively
- Production machine. 419 tackles, 26.5 TFL’s, 9 interceptions, 19 pass breakups & 3 forced fumbles at MTSU
Con's:
- Questionable long speed, although i’ve seen him hunt down a running back over 50 yards
- A little flat-footed as a high safety, and can leave a passing lane more open than desired
- Not the most efficient mover; will hair around the field but could take better angles to the football
- Likes to gamble, particularly in deep cover – and has been burned on occasion
The Verdict:
“Oh yes! One of my favourite players in this draft class, I fail to see the reason for the lack of hype surrounding Reed Blankenship. More than 400 tackles during his time in Murfreesboro, Blankenship is insatiable for his desire to bring down the ball carrier. He can shoot gaps or come storming downfield from a deeper role - it doesn’t matter; he’ll find the ball and de-cleat the person who dared to have it in their hands. With prototypical size and more than enough athleticism, he has delivered game-changing moments both in the air and on the ground. Line him up anywhere you want, but I think he’s best deployed as near to all the action as possible. He’s a future starter at strong safety who will likely be available on day three - the very definition of the word ‘sleeper’.”
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content
NFL COMPARISON: JOHNATHAN ABRAM
PREDICTION: 6TH ROUND PICK
Rated 5 out of 5
