Eagles Rookie Profile: Jeremy Reaves is aggressive and makes plays on the ball

The Philadelphia Eagles signed South Alabama safety Jeremy Reaves in undrafted free agency following the 2018 NFL Draft. In order to learn more about the new Eagles defensive back, I reached out to SB Nation’s blog that features Sun Belt Conference coverage: Underdog Dynasty. Jaguars writer Adam Luckett (@AdamLuckettBOS) was kind enough to answer my questions.

1) Can you sum up what his college career was like?

Reaves made an impact as soon as he stepped on campus in 2014 as he played in all 13 games for the Jags and made 16 tackles as a true freshman. Reaves stepped into a full-time starting role as a sophomore and was selected for all-conference honors as he finished second on the team in tackles. The Pensacola, Florida native would go on to do the same as an upperclassmen and that would be highlighted by being named defensive player of the year in the Sun Belt this past fall.

2) What are his strengths?

Reaves was always at his best when he was able to play aggressively while coming downhill. This resulted in him creating a lot of havoc as he forced nine forced fumbles in his career. The positive results didn’t stop there as Reaves had 23 passes broken up and eight interceptions during his time in Mobile.

3) What are his weaknesses?

Reaves doesn’t have optimal size for the safety position and that was probably the biggest thing that hurt his draft stock. The production was there but only being 180 pounds on a frame under six foot is something that is hard for NFL teams to look past.

4) Are you surprised he went undrafted?

A little bit yes but that size is just a big limitation. We all know that at the next level Reaves will likely be the smallest player on the field at all times and he’ll have to prove that is not a huge limitation against the best competition in the world.

5) How do you see his NFL career playing out?

If given a fair shot, I think Reaves can develop into a solid special teams player who could be the third safety on an NFL roster. Reaves is an outstanding tackler who has a nose for the football. If given opportunities, he will make winning plays.

6) Anything to know about him off the field?

Per the South Alabama website, his favorite athlete is Patrick Peterson. That should tell you a little bit about how he plays the game of football.

Bonus: Here’s what I wrote about Reaves after the Eagles’ first OTA practice.

Rookie safety Jeremy Reaves had at least two plays where he was in position to make BIG hits on pass-catchers. If these weren’t non-contact drills, he could’ve absolutely lit some dudes up. The first instance was on a slot pass over the middle of the field. Then he was about to level Corey Clement in the flat. Shades of Sheldon Brown on Reggie Bush. Luckily for the receivers, all Reaves could do was give them was a light shove.