The Ravens public relations department is flush with excitement today over the return of young David Reed to the team’s eligible practice list… the projected hope is Reed will bolster the incredibly thin wide receivers list of receiving talent in camp.
Problem is, Reed has never caught a pass yet in an NFL game. He made his name last season strictly on special teams and kickoff returns, where he was sensational before being injured.
David Reed, 6-0, 190, 2nd year out of Utah, drafted in the 5th round in 2010, 4.45 in the ’40…
Reed has been sidelined since Week 16 of last season. He hurt his wrist during a kickoff return in Week 15 against the New Orleans Saints and said he had surgery to repair a torn ligament over the offseason.
The fifth-round 2010 draft pick out of Utah did not record a reception during his rookie year. He did impress during OTAs and rookie camp, however, with his wide catching radius and good hands. Reed will likely battle for the No. 3 or 4 wideout spot in camp.
Reed made a huge impression on kickoff return duty last year for the Ravens. But alas…the new rules (allowing kickoffs from the opponent’s 35 instead of the 30) have virtually neutralized and nullified Reed’s incredible KR value.
That means to stick on this 2011 roster with the Ravens, Reed will have to somehow prove over the rest of this preseason that he belongs on this current list of wideouts:
1. A. Boldin
2. L. Evans
3. T. Doss
4. T. Smith
5. D. Reed (he will be no higher than this on depth chart because of special teams needs)
6. J. Hardy (only will make the team because of size, red zone threat)
And that list is subject to further change pending last-minute free agent acquisitions…
Too bad for Reed, he was a lock to make this team as a KR specialist on his return ability alone…he starred on special teams in 13 games last season. Reed became the team’s kickoff returner midway through the year and logged 616 yards on 21 returns – a 29.3-yard average that finished atop in the NFL.
He returned a kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown in Week 14 against the Houston Texans, just one game before his season-ending injury.
It’s a shame to witness that kind of big play being taken out of the NFL. It also hurts the niche players like Reed, who rely upon special teams performance and kickoff return to make a living.
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