Reed Blankenship – Senior – Safety, Middle Tennessee
Pros: Offers a lot of versatility, Blankenship has been a contributor on special teams in both the return game and punt/kick return coverage. Was a reliable, sure handed punt return option. While he doesn’t possess phenomenal speed this will add to the projected value for his first couple of seasons. He played in slot coverage, as a safety in the box, deep half and in the center in deep thirds. Would be able to play at Free Safety, Strong Safety and can help in the slot if needed to cover TE’s and RB’s in man coverage. Plays the deep ball mostly well, was only beaten twice in games watched, and is able to cover with man and zone in underneath routes. Possesses great athleticism and competes with aggression when tackling, was everywhere on the field always looking to make a play. Has played well since his freshman year and has plenty of on-field experience. Has good balance to maneuver through the pack and get to the runner, is able to extend himself when reaching for runners and did not often have his tackles broken.
Cons: Plays almost too aggressively in run support, is a great tackler but was often found too far forward and ended up needing to chase a player down instead of being in a position to make the tackle. This also translated to getting caught up with blockers in screen passes. He had an ankle injury in his Junior year which ended his 2019 season. Is able to roam all over the field but lacks true closing speed, he benefits from identifying and reacting to plays which puts him close to the ball carrier. However, if he is late to take an angle on the runner he is unable to close the distance on faster receivers. Ended up on his back too often against blockers in a lower tier conference which will cause problems at the pro level. He will need to take better angles and work more on his ability to shed blockers in the run game.
Conclusion: Blankenship has been a star player since taking on the starting role for Middle Tennessee in 2017, making the C-USA All-Freshman team. He has athleticism that will translate to the NFL but lacks truly elite athleticism to justify a high selection. He plays with aggression but lacks a real explosive punch in any one aspect of his game. He has solid deep coverage and would bring versatility to any defensive backfield by being able to play up in the box, deep coverage and in the slot. Is a sound tackler but is inconsistent with his positioning when approaching the runner. He could be found everywhere on the field and competes on every single play to try and make an impact which will help him in developing more at the next level. I think that he will be a solid backup in the NFL and one who can make a career being a plug and play safety. Is able to return punts and will add value playing return coverage on special teams.
Round Projection: Late 3rd Round/Early 4th
Pro Comparison: Tarvarius Moore
