Latest Mel Kiper NFL Mock Draft : Kendall Reyes

Mel just released his latest NFL Mock Draft. Here is the link for those with insider access:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7575960/mel-kiper-second-mock-draft-year


For those who don't, he has just moved Reyes into the first round. Right now he is projecting him to be picked #31 overall by the New England Patriots. Here is the quick blurb:

Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut
We've seen the value of Vince Wilfork, and while Reyes isn't the size of a city block, he certainly has some of the traits of a guy who can help a defense similarly. When he gets good leverage (which he usually does), Reyes is really strong and will get offensive linemen up off their feet as he pushes them into the backfield. He's not going to shed blocks as a brilliant pass-rusher would, but Reyes can develop into the guy who makes everybody else a better pass-rusher because he demands so much blocking help.

PS...I know this post has nothing to do with Randy Edsall, Maryland, or WVU/Big East expansion....so I apologize ahead of time. I thought about labeling it OT.

Had no idea Reyes was so high.

I always expected his stock to rise as the draft got closer. His athleticism for his size and his measurables are off the chart. And by all reports, he had a great Senior Bowl week. He may not actually get drafted in the first round (depending on trades, team needs, etc)...but he will definately be picked by the middle of the 2nd round at the latest. Guys with his size and athleticism are always in high demand in the NFL.

i have a feeling the combine will help him even more. Huskies historically have done very well there, and i don't think he'll be any different. i don't know much about the other DTs are available in the draft this year, so i don't know that he'll go in the first round, but if he goes in the second i think the team that gets him will consider it a steal

I agree, I think his measurables are going to move him up draft boards even more. There's a lot of DT talent with the potential to be selected in the 20-40 range with Reyes, Poe, Worthy, Cox, Thompson, Ta'amu. How that all shakes out will be interesting to see. Reyes fits just about every team though. He can play 3-4 DE, 4-3 DT, maybe 3-4 DT for someone like the texans.

Boy, that Randy Edsall sure had an eye for talent . Discuss.....

There, I fixed it for you USG!!

Didn't realize the Pats needed help up front I thought the rest of the def sucked? Might be a good fit in Indy with Freeney?

I have been saying for most of the year he is a first rounder. Teams are running the 3-4 more and more in the NFL. And they need lineman, versatile ones at that. Reyes can play 3-4 end or 4-3 tackle, and can hold the point of attack well. His stock will only rise.

Great thing for Kendall was he came in at 6' 3 7/8" and 300lbs at the Senior Bowl.

As a few have already mentioned, he did great at the Senior Bowl and his size numbers were legit.

A good pro day and combine will make sure he doesn't last past round 2.

Packers need another DT and draft late in the first round also.

Is he a first round pick.......YES will he go in the first round? NO.. Sorry but i dont see a GM balsy enough to take a CT player in the first round.

Why?

And the Colts took Donald Brown in the first.

And poor Donald never got any real love from the Heisman clique. Go figure.
BZ to Kendall!

Ballsy enough to take a UCONN player? Scouts get paid to identify talent, and teams draft who they believe is the best talent available.