Eagles Rookie Profile: Ed Reynolds

The Eagles made an effort to add to the defensive backfield this offseason with the signings of Malcolm Jenkins and Chris Maragos. The team also drafted Florida's Jaylen Watkins and Stanford's Ed Reynolds during the recent draft. Reynolds is another Pac-12 addition for Chip Kelly's Eagles and his familiarity with the player was likely valuable in the decision to draft him.

Reynolds was selected in the fifth round and he could play his way into the lineup as a rookie. The talented safety has some quality tape on resume and nice numbers from his college days.

College Career

The son of former Patriots and Giants player Ed Reynolds, the younger Ed played defensive back and running back in high school. He committed to Stanford in 2010 and appeared in five games as a true freshman, which led to six tackles. He was forced to redshirt as a sophomore due a knee injury suffered in spring practice.

In 2012, Reynolds had a standout year, as he produced six interceptions which went for 301 return yards (second most in NCAA history) and three touchdowns. He was named an All-American by several publications and was an All-PAC-12 first team selection as well. His six interceptions were the most by a Stanford player since 1973.

In his final year at Stanford, Reynolds again received All-Pac-12 and All-American honors. He collected 87 tackles (one for loss), an interception and four pass breakups in 14 games (13 starts).

Combine Numbers

Height" 6'1"

Weight: 207 lbs.

Arm Length: 30 3/4"

Hands: 8 1/2"

40: 4.57 seconds

Bench Press: 15 reps

Vertical Jump: 32.5 inches

Broad Jump: 117.0 inches

Strengths

Reynolds is a big safety with the ability to cover big tight ends. He can wrap up on tackles and flows to the ball. He will help if a play is on the opposite side of the field and hustles to the ball. Reynolds is good with the ball in his hands. He is vocal on the field and seems to understand the game. His father played in the league and he seems be very passionate about the game.

Weaknesses

Reynolds has limited strength and speed. He will launch himself at ball carriers and misses tackles a few times per game. He gets dragged on tackles, even if he uses good technique and it happens in several games (sometimes more than once). He can take odd angles, which take him out of plays. He had a knee injury that caused him to miss his entire sophomore season. He had seven interceptions in his college career, but only one as a senior.

How He Fits

Reynolds is probably best served on special teams and in backup duty. He has okay coverage ability against tight ends and could be used to backup Malcolm Jenkins. He is an upgrade over the likes of Kurt Coleman and Colt Anderson, but still could use a ton of work. Ideally, he is probably a depth safety, who competes with Keelan Johnson and undrafted free agent Daytawion Lowe for the fifth safety spot. He has the edge since he was drafted but he is likely facing an uphill battle to see playing time on defense as a rookie. He could develop into a talented third safety down the road.

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