2016 NFL Draft: Reed didn't mind waiting a second day, is headed to Seattle

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on May 3, 2016 1:49 PM

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By RUDY COGGINS

rcoggins@newsargus.com

CHICAGO -- Jarran Reed is walking his own Green Mile -- to Seattle.

And now he can afford plenty of Skittles, too.

Reed, who helped lead Alabama to a national championship in January, went in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft as the 49th pick overall to the Seahawks on Friday evening.

"It was a long wait, but it was worth it," Reed said during an SiriusXM NFL Radio interview after the pick. "I'm happy to be a part of the Seattle Seahawks organization. The road wasn't easy...it was hard work every day."

A product of Nick Saban's football factory in Tuscaloosa, Reed's name remained on the draft board after Friday's first round along with his three All-American teammates -- linebacker Reggie Ragland, Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry and early entry A'Shawn Robinson.

None were selected through the first nine spots in the second round.

Then the Tide began to roll.

Buffalo traded Chicago to get Ragland.

Tennessee picked Henry.

Robinson donned a Detroit Lions hat.

Reed ravaged a bag of Skittles as he anxiously waited in the green room with his mom, Anjanette, his brother, Donald Pollock III, and family and friends who made the trek to the Windy City.

Seattle had addressed an offensive issue in the opening round.

Next on the list was defense.

Seahawks general manager John Schneider traded up seven spots and gave up a fourth-round pick to Chicago to get Reed, a second-team Associated Press All-SEC performer who brought size and power to the Crimson Tide's defensive line this past season.

Schneider wanted a battle-tested run stuffer who could provide an instant upgrade and possibly start immediately -- if needed. The GM described Reed as "clearly the best run defender in this draft" to fill the vacancy left by run-stopping defensive tackle Brandon Mebane and pass-rushing specialist Bruce Irvin.

Each entered free agency.

Reed stepped onto the stage to a chorus of cheers from Seahawks fans, posed for photographs and walked back to the green room with -- you guessed it -- a fresh, unopened bag of Skittles.

"I was chewing on the Skittles waiting when I got the call," said Reed. "I was like, 'man, Marshawn (Lynch) loves Skittles.' I thought it would be kind of funny."

Lynch retired after last season.

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But this draft held more significance for Reed -- personal and professional.

After leading East Mississippi Community College to a JUCO national championship during his second season, Reed eventually landed in SEC country.

He emerged as the Crimson Tide's third-leading tackler this past fall with 56 stops, one quarterback sack and a fumble recovery in 14 starts. Reed logged 101 total tackles, including 6 1/2 hits behind the line of scrimmage.

Alabama won the CFP national title.

Yet Reed hadn't silenced the nay-sayers.

A primary run defender who could absorb blockers, change directions, accelerate to the ball and obliterate an opponent, NFL team scouts still had their doubts. Their reports stated that Reed is an elite run defender with the lower body strength to command his gap, but he had to improve his instincts and timing to avoid being a space eater.

The scouts also said he tired quickly and possessed limited rush skills that created a potential glass ceiling on his draft stock.

The Senior Bowl became Reed's proving ground. He showed that he could be a third-down lineman and turned in a dominating performance that elevated him into a first-round draft pick.

"I think I've pretty much answered those doubts by the nay-sayers," Reed chuckled. "I'm always been one to want to prove somebody wrong. I've been doing it a long

time and am still used to it."

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Reed was projected to become Wayne County's first first-round draft pick since Eastern Wayne grad Manny Lawson was selected 22nd overall by the San Francisco 49ers in 2006.

Ironically, he predicted Seattle as his destination.

Six weeks ago, he posted a photo to his Instagram page of him wearing a Seahawks shirt and Seattle Mariners hat. In fact, his last conversations with the organization came at the Senior Bowl.

Reed thought Seattle would select him Friday.

He didn't mind waiting one more day.

"The whole time I had a certain feeling," Reed said. "I said, 'mom, I'm going to the Seahawks.' I've been talking about the Seahawks ever since the Senior Bowl. I'm just really excited and happy that it happened."

Seattle entered the draft with nine picks.

Many analysts felt the Seahawks would spend their draft selections along the line of scrimmage. The team faces salary cap constrictions going forward with quarterback Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman and others who are entering the prime of their contracts.

Seattle had the league's fourth-best offense (378.6 yards per game) and second-best defense (291.8 ypg) during its 11-win campaign a year ago. The Seahawks led the league in scoring defense at 17.3 points per game.

"They love his work ethic, they love his journey, they love that he has grown up on and off the field," said Hadley Engelhard, Reed's agent.

"All of the teams say the same thing -- you can plug him in right away as a starter and if he continues to progress as a pass rusher, which all signs point that he will, he should be a perennial Pro Bowler.

"His best football is in front of him."

(Editor's note: The Associated Press contributed to this story.)