Reggie Floyd 2020 NFL Draft Profile
When Manassas native and Virginia Tech standout Reggie Floyd entered the 2020 NFL Draft, comparisons to former Seattle Seahawk Kam Chancellor began to arise. The safety was a dual-threat standout at Stonewall Jackson High School under coach Darryl Johnston. As a senior, Floyd was a three-star recruit by ESPN and Rivals. He was named to the All-Conference first team as a senior running back. Floyd earned honorable mention honors to the 6A-North Region football team as a senior. Floyd committed to Virginia Tech and switched to safety.
Floyd played under Justin Fuente for four years at Virginia Tech. In his first season, he played in 12 games and only had one tackle. His playing time increased during his sophomore season, where he played in 13 games, making 12 starts. Floyd recorded 72 tackles, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles. Floyd made a game-saving tackle in the final seconds of the fourth quarter against Pittsburgh. He finished the year recording seven tackles vs. Oklahoma State in the Camping World Bowl. Floyd even had a pick-six against North Carolina for 69 yards.
As a junior, Floyd ranked second on the squad with 88 total tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss. He picked off his second pass of the season vs. Notre Dame and was named ACC Defensive Back of the Week. He had eight tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, an interception and a PBU against rival Duke. Against Miami, he was second on the team with 11 tackles. In his senior year, he had 69 tackles. Floyd would finish his college career with 230 tackles and five interceptions, one of them returned for a touchdown.
Strengths
- a big hitter;
- relentless motor;
- very reactive off the ball;
- north and south runner;
- can play as a hybrid linebacker
- high acceleration off the ball.
Weaknesses
- undersized for a strong safety;
- lacks in coverage skills;
- inconsistency with hands;
- willing to play run more than pass;
- plays more linebacker than safety;
- defensive issues result in lack of balance.
Projection: Seventh round pick
Bottom Line
Unlike Chancellor, Floyd is not the same height. His aggression however, is a mirror image. Teams will most likely use Floyd as a hybrid linebacker, allowing him to stay on the field for the whole drive. His frame could easily handle the rigors of weak-side linebacker, with the ability to flow from flats to the seam and back again without missing a beat. As a linebacker, Floyd would attack the run with the same vigor as he does with the pass as a safety. As a safety, he runs well enough to play in the center of the field. While lining up in the box, he will usually split the gap, or blitz from the edge.
While he could be considered the most athletic ‘backer on a roster, his profile dictates that he be a reserve Despite his foot speed, the transition to linebacker in the NFL will not be a smooth one. When blitzing, he rarely affects the quarterback, barely pressuring him. Someone like Tom Brady or Drew Brees will be able to pick that apart in no time. Floyd will also need to adjust his tackling style by not relying on just brute strength to make a tackle in the open field.
