Kevin Reddick 2013 NFL Draft prospect notes

Kevin Reddick
6’3, 240 pounds | Middle linebacker | North Carolina

First word: A pipeline from North Carolina’s defense to the NFL has been strong in recent years. Since 2010, 10 Tar Heels on defense have been taken in the NFL. One constant throughout that time has been linebacker Kevin Reddick. The senior has had more than 70 tackles each of the past two seasons playing middle linebacker. Reddick is a fast and active linebacker who flows to the ball effortlessly. He’s a far more instinctual player than former teammate Zach Brown and reacts quicker. Second on UNC with 71 tackles in 2011 to with six tackles for loss, a sack, four pass breakups and three quarterback hurries. Has started 31 career games. Named to the watch lists for the Lott and Nagurski trophies and the Bednarik, Butkus and Lombardi awards this year.

Games watched (all 2011): Missouri, Georgia Tech, Miami, Virginia Tech

Positives:

- After sanctions were handed down to North Carolina, multiple schools reportedly contacted Reddick about transferring. He chose to stay despite having to switch from a 4-3 to a 4-2-5 scheme at UNC.

- Possesses good size for a linebacker and has a frame to add more strength.

- Has incredible athleticism for the position. Has the quickness to react immediately to the play. Is a little stiff in his movement, but has the speed to make up for it.

- Has the speed to speed to play sideline-to-sideline and works through the whistle.

Negtives:

- Tends to tackle too high at times and will miss the play.

- Inexperienced as a pass rusher. At UNC, Reddick is asked to play the run and coverage.

- Will never be a big-impact player in the NFL. Reddick didn’t take the expected step forward as a junior and didn’t make many big plays in the second half the season. Stood out more in 2010.

- Doesn’t always seem to know where he should be in pass coverage. He gets good drops, but will be out of position.

- Dealt with minor ankle and chest injuries in 2011.