Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Washington Redskins Unheralded Players: FS Jeremy Reaves

By Ian Cummings

STARKVILLE, MS - SEPTEMBER 3: Cornerback Jeremy Reaves #1 of the South Alabama Jaguars helmet comes off while tackling wide receiver Fred Ross #8 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Starkville, Mississippi. The South Alabama Jaguars defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs 21-20. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS - SEPTEMBER 3: Cornerback Jeremy Reaves #1 of the South Alabama Jaguars helmet comes off while tackling wide receiver Fred Ross #8 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Starkville, Mississippi. The South Alabama Jaguars defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs 21-20. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
MOBILE, AL – SEPTEMBER 26: Wide receiver Bra’Lon Cherry #13 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack attempts to catch a pass in front of cornerback Jeremy Reaves #9 of the South Alabama Jaguars on September 26, 2015 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL – SEPTEMBER 26: Wide receiver Bra’Lon Cherry #13 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack attempts to catch a pass in front of cornerback Jeremy Reaves #9 of the South Alabama Jaguars on September 26, 2015 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

Player Breakdown

Reaves won’t win you over with the eye test. At 5-foot-11, 205, Reaves has decent size, but he’s lacking in terms of length, and his frame is slight, allowing him to be handled without issue by blockers. His first step isn’t anything to write home about, and while he has mirroring ability, he can be a step late in coverage.

A slightly above-average athlete, Reaves can compete with NFL athletes, but he won’t be able to win on athleticism alone. Reaves has to rely on his tenacity and his nose for the football, which is evidenced by his 38 plays on the ball and his 16 turnover-producing plays in college.

Reaves is physical as a tackler, and he could at least be a decent special teams contributor with the potential to provide solid depth. Another asset Reaves could bring is versatility, as the second-year player has experience all over the secondary, from boundary cornerback to slot cornerback to safety. If the Redskins want a player they can move around, Reaves has the potential to fit that job description.

Still just 22 years old, Reaves has some untapped potential left to strive for, and if Redskins defensive backs coach Ray Horton can hone Reaves’ ball skills, aggression, and modest athletic traits, then perhaps Reaves could surprise a few people, and give Deshazor Everett and Troy Apke a run for their penciled-in spots.

Home/Commanders News