Jordan Reed became the fourth former Gator drafted when the Washington Redskins selected him with the No. 85 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Recruited by Urban Meyer as a high school quarterback, Reed has only played tight end on a full-time basis for two seasons. He is still learning and growing in the position but has a very high ceiling.
Reed drew comparisons to Aaron Hernandez throughout the draft process. Like Hernandez, Reed is an athletic pass-catcher who can create mismatches for opposing defenses. Unlike Hernandez, Reed won’t have the luxury of Tom Brady throwing him passes or Rob Gronkowski demanding the attention of opposing defenses. Hernandez was also a more polished blocker coming out of Florida.
Reed is a very raw prospect who needs to develop as a blocker. Reed struggled blocking defensive ends and linebacker at the college level and will have his hands full trying to block players at the next level.
Reed led the Gators in receptions last season with 45 and in receiving yards with 559 on his way to being named to the All-SEC second team.
As the NFL evolves into a pass-happy league there will always be a spot for athletic, pass-catching tight ends. If Reed can develop into a more reliable blocker, he should enjoy a long NFL career and can become a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.