Reed Blankenship NFL Draft Overview
Position: Safety
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 200 pounds
School: Middle Tennessee State
Reed Blankenship 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Making waves in all four years at MTSU, Reed Blankenship brings an intriguing skill set to the mix. With contribution in every season, Blankenship shows promise as a zone coverage safety with run stopping traits as well. After playing mostly coverage assignments over his first three seasons, his 2020 campaign saw 76 tackles and a lone pass defended. In a large class of mostly cover safeties, Blankenship will try to stand out with his hybrid approach.
A freshman in 2017, Blankenship instantly showed his hitting abilities, notching 68 tackles along with a sack and two interceptions. His sophomore season showed growth where he logged 107 tackles, one sack, and four interceptions. The premier downside of his college career was the 2019 season. A broken leg saw Blankenship have limited production with only 58 tackles, a forced fumble, and two interceptions. Quick recovery led to production in 2020 as the safety played more in the box, only defending one pass all year.
Strengths
- Two time captain on defense – shows leadership;
- Quick to react when playing in coverage;
- Special teams asset – blocked two kicks in college;
- Undeniable pursuit;
- Delivers the big hit.
Weaknesses
- Played in a weak conference;
- Lacks pure speed to chase down ball carriers;
- Doesn’t stay with receivers in man coverage;
- Plays too high – leaves cushion for big plays;
- Sometimes overreaches for the tackle.
NFL Comparison: Antoine Brooks
Teams With Need at Position: Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers
Projection: Sixth Round
Bottom Line on Reed Blankenship
Looking at Blankenship on paper, his stats look like great production. Even in a year where he was out with a broken leg, he still logged 50-plus tackles. His production in coverage was decent as well and shows he could play in different schemes at the next level. Blankenship finds a way to make tackles in every game. His awareness and fluid redirection are high IQ traits allowing him to close on running backs and in zone coverages. Special team needy rosters may also need his services, as Blankenship logged two blocked kicks at Middle Tennessee. Experience as a defensive team captain always helps for prospects as well
Average size and speed will be red flags for those looking at Blankenship. Struggles to cover in man may have coaches looking elsewhere. A hit first safety, Blankenship may over pursue occasionally and give up huge runs. Additionally, he is also known to leave cushion for pass catchers. Not having NFL length leaves Blankenship reaching for tackles. Coaches looking for a safety whose nose is more in the box could overlook these flaws.
Blankenship hopes to be selected before round seven, and teams with tackling woes will definitely be looking at his resume with a microscope. Four years of solid production will raise eyebrows but his coverage issues may also raise speculation. A possible third option or special teams gunner, Blankenship has the tools to be solid at the NFL level.
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