POSITIVES

—Slot cornerback profile with excellent return skills added into the mix.

—Athletic, fluid player in coverage who has some dog in his physicality.

—Aggressive, Tasmanian devil type who flies all over the field; comes up hard against the run.

—Coaches and scouts loved his work ethic, football IQ and confidence.

—Quick in short areas and has the right athleticism to play in a slot or nickel role.

NEGATIVES

—Position-specific player who will only be drafted to handle the slot and return game. Limited positional upside.

—Doesn't have the length to press and alter the release of wide receivers.

—Can be beaten up in man coverage by bigger, taller receivers.

—Lack of long speed might keep him off the field in three-DB sets.

OVERALL

D.J. Reed is fun to watch on film, but there are concerns about his size (5'9", 188 lbs) and speed (4.51-second 40-yard dash) that could push him down to a Day 3 spot. A team drafting specifically for slot or nickel duty with some return skills thrown in will love his on- and off-field tools.

GRADE: 5.80 (Round 4)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Mackensie Alexander, Minnesota Vikings