Despite missing all but a handful of games his senior season thanks to injury, one NFL Network analyst thinks former Vol linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin is a solid draft prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft.
Ben Fennell, a producer for both the NFL Network and ESPN College Football, started watching film on Reeves-Maybin and began to gush on social media about what he found.
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
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
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
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
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
Fennell used the word “instinct” or “instinctive” many times to describe Reeves-Maybin, alluding to the fact that those are things that can’t be taught. According to Fennell, Reeves-Maybin’s instincts are what separate him from other linebackers and make him a viable draft candidate for the upcoming NFL Draft.
As a senior, Jalen Reeves-Maybin only played in four games before injury ended his season. He totaled 20 tackles and two tackles for loss as a senior. But Reeves-Maybin previous two years are what Fennell is basing his assertions on, especially Reeves-Maybin’s 2015 season. In his junior year, Reeves-Maybin totaled 105 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, and 4 pass breakups.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin was invited to and participated in the NFL Combine earlier this month, and he will have a chance to show off his athleticism and health at Tennessee’s Pro Day this Friday.
