Continuing our breakdown of the 2014 New York Jets draft picks, Dalbin Osorio takes a look at 7th round pick Trevor Reilly. Here is a closer look at Calvin Pryor and Dexter McDougle…
Position: DE/OLB
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 245 LBS
40 Time: 4.66
Vertical: 30.5”
Broad Jump: 9’9”
225 LB Reps: 26
Projected Round: 3rd-4th
2013-2014 Stats: 100 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble
Strengths: Reilly was mocked by many in the 3rd – 5th round range leading up to the draft after putting together an impressive final season at Utah. Reilly has exciting athleticism and good side to side agility. He also has a consistent ability to shed blockers. His ability to track the ball carrier and close in pursuit is notable. Reilly is versatile and can play with his hand on the ground or standing up as a rush linebacker. He is a tough player as it was revealed that he played all of his junior year with a torn ACL. Reilly seems surprisingly comfortable in space, which is rare to see from a DE. He has experience lining up at inside linebacker.
Weaknesses: Reilly may struggle to consistently get by NFL offensive lineman, as he lacks top end strength or speed and is without a go to pass rush move to rely on. Reilly also underwent a knee scope on the same knee that he tore his ACL on in 2012. His first step, while playing with his hand on the ground, is a little inconsistent. He is already 26 years old.
Best Case Scenario: Works into rotation at outside linebacker/defensive end and is coached up by Dunbar/Rex into a 7th round steal.
Worst Case Scenario: Can’t beat out Garrett McIntyre as a situational rusher and special teams contributor, doesn’t make 53 man roster.
Analysis: I loved the pick of Reilly in the 7th round. Anytime you can get a 3rd – 5th round prospect in the 7th, especially with no character concerns, you do it. I think he’s a guy that can come in and contribute right away on special teams and as a situational player. He showed that he can consistently rush the passer and get into the backfield to cause disruption. His versatility, especially with playing ILB, could allow Rex to use him in formations with Demario Davis because of their speed. A formation of Reilly, Antwan Barnes, Coples, and Davis would showcase the fastest group of linebackers Rex has ever had under him. I think he makes the 53 man roster easily and develops into a contributor for the Jets.
I do not know how easily Reilly will make the roster. The biggest name that he has to compete with for backup duty is McIntyre, but Reilly is twenty-six, and the team could not have pegged him much higher than where they took him, since that would mean they did not take the highest ranked player on their board with any of their four sixth round picks. Right now, his coverage skills stand out on a team that lacks them at his position, but as you yourself said, Reilly’s lack of elite athleticism lowers his ceiling and leaves the door open for more physically gifted players to outshine him. Either way, the clock is ticking for Reilly, and he needs to make an impact immediately.
Let’s hope Reilly has the talent and heart to make a contribution where we have a big need: Special Teams coverage and LB pass coverage.
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People who say Reilly doesn’t have elite athleticism are the same people who say RG3 and Kaepernick are elite athletes but Luck is a great QB. Reilly was a multi sport athlete including outside hitter in volleyball and point forward in basketball. He ran 4.63 and was still recovering from the knee surgery. Reilly is a freak athlete
I can easily see Reilly bumping McIntyre off the roster. McIntyre turns 30 during the season & has likely reached his ceiling as a marginal backup. Reilly is not young (by NFL rookie standards), but is younger, taller, & faster.
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If his knee is right, next year he will be a starter. I think he will prove to be the steal of this draft.
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