Steal of the draft? Former Tennessee LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin receives glowing review
It goes without saying that the 2016 season didn’t go as planned for Tennessee after the team failed to live up to the preseason hype as nearly universal favorites to win the East division for the first time under head coach Butch Jones. While many have pointed toward the abundant amount of injuries suffered by the Vols, some losses hurt more than others.
The best example of this was the loss of senior linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin. After the senior went down prior to the start of SEC play, although he did try to play and was largely ineffective early against Florida, Tennessee never had an answer for the hole created in the lineup following his departure.
After sitting out much of the season due to injury, Reeves-Maybin lost most of his momentum heading into the pre-draft process. While there’s understandably little 2016 film to judge him on, at least one analyst with NFL experience has given Reeves-Maybin’s 2015 film a look and seems to be blown away by his discovery.
Check out this string of tweets from Ben Fennell, the Eagles’ video editor:
Jalen Reeves-Maybin's '15 tape is outstanding.. Injured thru most of '16.
Instincts. Natural in space. Aggressive/Physical. Athletic SL-SL.
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) March 28, 2017
Had to text some scouts about Jalen Reeves-Maybin for some feedback..
Feel like I just ran to call my mom after meeting my future wife…
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) March 28, 2017
Tennessee LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin is a screen killer..
Instinctive, fluid athlete, and physical.. Sneaky combination. I'm very intrigued.. pic.twitter.com/GJSI9b2kuu
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) March 28, 2017
If you believe strongly in player instincts (defensively)-and that they really can't be taught
You'll love Tennessee LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) March 28, 2017
You can tell Reeves-Maybin was a 2,000yd rusher in high school – understands blocking schemes. Sees it VERY quickly…And hits it
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) March 28, 2017
Quick tallies…
I have Jalen Reeves-Maybin down for 19 tackles, FF, PBU, Sack, and a nice tackle on punt coverage vs Sterling Shepard. https://t.co/QSG2rkcxsB
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) March 28, 2017
For 6'0 230, JRM has no problem sticking his face into big RBs 1on1 – Derrick Henry, Perine, Mixon, Alex Collins, Rawleigh Williams, etc
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) March 28, 2017
As NFL evaluators continue to delve deeper into the tape of every upcoming draft prospect, expect more and more NFL teams to warm to the idea of selecting the All-SEC performer in the draft. If his body holds up to the rigors of the NFL, a team could find itself landing one of the steals of the draft.
If he’s able to successfully showcase his recovery during Tennessee’s Friday Pro Day event, Reeves-Maybin stock could start rising fairly quickly. While Alvin Kamara, Derek Barnett, and Joshua Dobbs may have the most buzz around them at this time, no player stands to gain as much from a positive viewing this week than Reeves-Maybin.
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