Nick Reed Makes a Strong Pitch for the Final 53..............

**soulman** · 09-03-2011, 10:38 AM

Reed makes strong case as 4th defensive end

He was among several who impressed in final exhibition

Browns quarterback Jarrett Brown looks for a receiver under pressure from Nick Reed. (Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images / September 1, 2011)

Dan Pompei On the NFL 7:19 p.m. CDT, September 2, 2011

The Bears' final exhibition presented the team with a dilemma — that is whom they should keep as their fourth defensive end.

The film shows both Nick Reed and Mario Addison made strong cases for the job with their play.

You have to be cautious not to read too much into their performances because they both were playing against Browns scrubs, but Reed was absolutely dominant. He was consistently the first player off the ball, and he came off so quickly it often appeared he was jumping early.

On a night when the heat was oppressive, the undersized Reed was relentless and never slowed down. He played the entire game defensively and pitched in on special teams.

He prevented a touchdown with his backside tackle of Owen Marecic on fourth-and-1 from the 1. He had a sack, two quarterback hits (one should have resulted in an interception, but Dom DeCicco dropped the pass), five additional quarterback pressures and two tipped passes.

Reed almost made it impossible to cut him Saturday.

This guy is straight out of a Rod Marinelli dream. Reed's effort raises the level of play of everyone around him. And the word out of closed Halas Hall practices is the Bears haven't been able to block him the last couple of weeks either.

Addison wasn't as disruptive, but the Browns couldn't handle him either. He had two tackles for losses and would have had a sack if tackle Brandon Braxton had not grabbed his face mask (he was penalized on the play).

The Seahawks drafted Reed in the seventh round in 2009 when Bears' director of player personnel Tim Ruskell headed their front office. . Reed spent most of last year out of football after getting new Seahawks coach Pete Carroll cut him. The Bears signed Addison as an undrafted free agent this year.

Reed probably could help the Bears more this year; Addison might have more long-term potential. In a perfect world you keep Reed on the 53 and Addison on the practice squad, but some other team might have something to say about that.

Here are some other players who left an impression Thursday.

• Nathan Enderle: If the Bears lose one of their top two quarterbacks they better hope a veteran is available because Enderle clearly is not ready to play. And given the way the Bears allot practice reps to quarterbacks, he won't be given much of a chance to get ready.

The game clearly is moving fast for the rookie from Idaho, which is understandable. You could see it in how he held the ball too long, how he locked on to receivers and his lack of passing touch.

Enderle is a developmental quarterback. The worst way to develop him would be to force him to play in meaningful games as a rookie.

• Stephen Paea: It's fair to say the second-round pick has had a disappointing camp and preseason, perhaps because he still is coming back from injuring his knee at the Senior Bowl earlier this year.

He has not played with much quickness and has been stuck on blocks too frequently. But he did flash potential a couple of times in the fourth quarter Thursday.

Paea pressured Browns quarterback Jarrett Brown, causing guard Pat Murray to commit a holding penalty. Later, he got a lick in on Brown that forced him to unload the ball quickly. That was the pass Bears linebacker Deron Minor intercepted.

• Matt Spaeth: We have seen the big tight end seal the edge on outside runs repeatedly this year, including on a nice Chester Taylor rush Thursday. The Bears struggled to do that last year.

Spaeth also has some pass protection skills. On Caleb Hanie's nice 19-yard touchdown pass to Johnny Knox, the Browns rushed six. That left Spaeth alone with defensive end Jabaal Sheard on a seven-step drop. No problem.

• Chris Spencer: It has been a slow transition for Spencer, and he didn't play well a week earlier against the Titans, but it looks like he finally is starting to get it. In two series at center, Spencer used his hands well and didn't fall off blocks.

On Taylor's 9-yard run, Spencer showed his athleticism by getting to the second level and taking out linebacker Benjamin Jacobs.

dpompei@tribune.com

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**soulman** · 09-03-2011, 10:55 AM

Damn I hope they keep Reed on the roster. I didn't see Thursday nights game but in every other one I saw this description of his play matched 100% of what I saw then too. Marinelli hasn't talked as much about him as he has about Addison but Pompei is correct when he says that Reed is outdoing Addison right now.

For those who think he might be too small I would point out that the Broncos Elvis Dumervil is 2" shorter and plays around 250 lbs which is right were Reed's weight falls and Dumervil was the AFC sack leader in 2009 with 17 sacks. The guy is about as unblockable as they say Reed has been during the preseason. With no surety that Wootton will return to form the munite he returns we need Reed's rush right now and I'm sure a lot of other teams have noticed him as well. Don't expose this guy to waivers or we'll lose him.

I loved to hear that comment that Reed made it nearly impossible for them to cut him. He reminds me of a somewhat smaller Trace Armstrong. For now I'd keep both Reed and Addison on the final roster.

Sorry to hear that Paea's performance has been so lacking but is may just be the combination of a slow recovery that's robbed him of his burst and his unfamiliarity of the defense. They've also been working him at both NT and UT so that will extend his learning curve too. I'm not concerend because I think he'll be great once he's playing 100%.

Nice to here Spaeth is doing well with his blocking. Having Andre Smith breathing down his neck all preseason probably provided some motivation there. That's one of the nice things about how we've upgraded the team. There's enough quality and depth at certain spots that the competition is pretty fierce. We are gonna have to let some good football players go.

Enderle and Spencer not ready???? LOL, is that supposed to be a shock? If things stay the way they are the only way Spencer ever sees the field is if Graza gets injured.

**MPBears68** · 09-03-2011, 11:56 AM

I'm really glad to hear that Reed has shown so much in PS since we are thin at DE right now. From what I saw vs. Cleveland I believe he's on the 53 man roster as sure as Sanz. Addison (great name for Chicago, huh?) also has potential but I don't see how we could keep both as CoreyW is slated to return soon. Fingers crossed that he be held on the PS in case Wooten falters or needs more time. Looks like 9 DL make the final team--Pep, Izzy, Wooten, Reed, Paea, Okoye, AA, Toe, & Melton--and that is a monster depth chart!

I'm not worried about Paea one bit. He did have a few notable snaps and is still learning his role. The guy has a repuation from college as a smart and dedicated player so he's gonna develop and not bust like other pplayers with less work-ethic might (assuming he stays healthy of course).

RS is what counts but I'm really heartened by the improvemnt in the OL from Buffalo to Cleveland. Webb & LL settled down, Carimi & CWill have been solid, and Garza has outperformed my expectations at C. Spencer will be fine as well and he played pretty decently when he got reps. He's an option should Louis falter and Garza needs to be moved over. The run blocking has been MUCH better with Carimi & Spaeth on the right. My main concern is our thinness at OT--there's not much there behind the starters.

I find the stuff about Enderle really master-of-the-obvious dumb. Did anyone realistically expect a 5th round pick from a minor program to be "ready to play" in the NFL after one month? Of course not. The only way he sees the field is if BOTH Cutler and Hanie go down which shouldn't happen. Enderle is strickly a backup project for a year or two down the road.

No surprise about Harrison and Taylor. It's also no surprise, given how poorly the team played their cards, that no trade could be worked for Chester. In all fairness, even if the Bears hadn't telegraphed their intentions so blatantly, CT probably wasn't going to bring anything more than a 7th round pick anyway. Will DeCicco make it?

**short faced bear** · 09-03-2011, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by MPBears68

I'm not worried about Paea one bit. He did have a few notable snaps and is still learning his role. The guy has a repuation from college as a smart and dedicated player so he's gonna develop and not bust like other pplayers with less work-ethic might (assuming he stays healthy of course).

Yeah Paea is just going to take time and the d line has the luxury of bringing him along slowly with Okoye in the mix. I can see Paea making his mark towards the end of the season. Reed has been "unblockable" the past few weeks? I don't know if I buy the hype but if he pans out I will give Ruskell credit. I think Addison makes the PS.

Spencer might turn out to be a decent backup but I believe he'll need a few more weeks to get all the terms and calls down.

**lklrlolnlilklsox** · 09-03-2011, 01:44 PM

Just my impression for this preseason Reed>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Addison, and it's not even close at all. The only thing I've seen impressive from Addison are the words that Lovie barfed to reported about him. Reed, on the other hand, may have the quickest first step burst off the line on this DL. He's an animal out there.

**soulman** · 09-03-2011, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by lklrlolnlilklsox

Just my impression for this preseason Reed>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Addison, and it's not even close at all. The only thing I've seen impressive from Addison are the words that Lovie barfed to reported about him. Reed, on the other hand, may have the quickest first step burst off the line on this DL. He's an animal out there.

Yep, you and I have been really high on this kid all along and I'm glad they've kept him in the roster. I haven't gone back and looked at any combine numbers or college scouting reports on him yet but I intend to. His take off looks like he was shot out of a gun so it's no wonder they have trouble blocking him. The OT can't even ge set up before he either in his face of around him.

This kid is everything Vernon Gholston wished he could have been and ins't. Kudos to Ruskell for bringing him in. At times I wonder what his flaw is. How is it that this kid wasn't playing somewhere last year? You know a lot about these less touted guys sox. Anything about him that may be a problem?

**lklrlolnlilklsox** · 09-03-2011, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by soulman

Yep, you and I have been really high on this kid all along and I'm glad they've kept him in the roster. I haven't gone back and looked at any combine numbers or college scouting reports on him yet but I intend to. His take off looks like he was shot out of a gun so it's no wonder they have trouble blocking him. The OT can't even ge set up before he either in his face of around him.

This kid is everything Vernon Gholston wished he could have been and ins't. Kudos to Ruskell for bringing him in. At times I wonder what his flaw is. How is it that this kid wasn't playing somewhere last year? You know a lot about these less touted guys sox. Anything about him that may be a problem?

Said it in another thread a while back. He has very fringy athleticism and range at LB in a 4-3, and very good athleticism but was simply underweight for the DE position. He was that tweener everyone pins strictly at 3-4 rush LB, but he apparently has put on some weight and kept that first step and now he looks like a natural with his hand in the dirt.

**soulman** · 09-03-2011, 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by lklrlolnlilklsox

Said it in another thread a while back. He has very fringy athleticism and range at LB in a 4-3, and very good athleticism but was simply underweight for the DE position. He was that tweener everyone pins strictly at 3-4 rush LB, but he apparently has put on some weight and kept that first step and now he looks like a natural with his hand in the dirt.

I must have missed it or more likely memories fade. Even though they have him listed at 248 lbs he looks a little bigger than that, or then maybe it's just that he looks it because of is height. Not really a big deal though. With his burst off the line he won't have to bull rush anyone anyway. Hell, Dumervil only goes around 250 lbs and Rosie Colvin did all right playing around that same weight although he played more of a stand up DE.

**lklrlolnlilklsox** · 09-03-2011, 10:19 PM

Originally Posted by soulman

I must have missed it or more likely memories fade. Even though they have him listed at 248 lbs he looks a little bigger than that, or then maybe it's just that he looks it because of is height. Not really a big deal though. With his burst off the line he won't have to bull rush anyone anyway. Hell, Dumervil only goes around 250 lbs and Rosie Colvin did all right playing around that same weight although he played more of a stand up DE.

They also had Melton listed in the 260s last year we we all knew damn well he was 280+.

**soulman** · 09-03-2011, 10:33 PM

Prospect

Nick Reed (DE)

Height:
6'2"
Weight:
245 lbs.
College:
Oregon
Conference:
Pac 10
Hometown:
Trabuco Canyon, CA
High School:
Mission Viejo

Choose Defensive LinemenBarwin, ConnorBrown, EveretteEnglish, LarryGilbert, JarronHood, EvanderJackson, TysonJerry, PeriaKruger, PaulMaybin, AaronOrakpo, BrianRaji, B.J.

Selected by: Seattle Seahawks
Round: 7
Pick (Overall): 38 (247)

Pick Analysis: Reed was the defensive player of the year in the Pac-10 and made a ton of tackles. He lacks size and a position, but he was productive enough to merit a seventh-round flier for Seattle. He could turn out to be a value pick.

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Overview

The heart and soul of the Ducks' defense, Reed epitomized as a player with a constant motor who refused to be outworked by the opposition and exhibited a great passion for the game. Not only did he perform at a high level on the gridiron, he also excelled in academics. He became only the second football player at Oregon to ever earn first-team All-American honors on the field (Walter Camp Foundation) and in the classroom (ESPN the Magazine), joining Steve Barnett (offensive lineman) from 1962.

Reed set the school career record with 29.5 sacks, a number that ranks fourth in Pac-10 Conference history and 10th in the NCAA major college ranks. His 51.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage also set an Oregon all-time record and placed fourth in conference annals while ranking 14th in college football history. He registered at least one sack or tackle for loss 23 of his final 26 contests.

At Trabuco Canyon High School, Reed earned All-Orange County Region honors from the Los Angeles Times and Defensive Player of the Year accolades by the Orange County Register. He garnered first-team All-CIF Southern Section, CIF Southern Section Division II co-Defensive Player of the Year and South Coast League Defensive MVP recognition.

Reed also received votes on the Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West balloting. He was credited with 65 tackles, 10 sacks (third in the league) and two fumble recoveries as a senior.

As a true freshman, Reed appeared in 11 games as a reserve left defensive end. He collected five solo tackles with a sack and three stops behind the line of scrimmage. He also excelled on special teams, blocking a punt vs. Arizona State that he advanced 27 yards to set up an Oregon scoring drive.

In 2006, injuries on the defensive front wall thrust Reed into the starting lineup at right defensive end for the team's final 10 contests. He ranked fourth on the team with 30 tackles (15 solos), adding 3.5 sacks and six stops behind the line of scrimmage. He also blocked an extra point vs. Washington State. At the conclusion of the season, he was named to the Academic All-Pac 10 Conference team.

Reed was the major reason Oregon led the nation in tackles for loss in 2007. The All-American second-team and All-Pac 10 Conference first-team choice also added Academic All-American honors. He started all 13 games at left end, leading the conference in both sacks and tackles for loss. His 12 sacks ranked ninth nationally while his 22.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage ranked fifth in the NCAA. He recorded 60 tackles (30 solos) and recovered a fumble.

After establishing himself as one of the elite pass rushers in the country in 2007, Reed proved in 2008 that his junior season was no fluke. He was named All-American and Academic All-American and was a finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award (nation's top defensive end) for the second consecutive year. The All-Pac 10 Conference first-team pick again led the league and ranked fourth nationally with 13 sacks. His 20.0 stops for loss placed him tied for eighth in the NCAA, as he also led the country with five fumble recoveries. He posted 53 tackles (35 solos) and caused two fumbles.

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