Justin Reid
Summary
Justin Reid was Selected in the 3rd round (#68 Overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Stanford University. Reid is a versatile safety with a strong collegiate resume at Stanford and a skill set that translates well into multiple roles at the NFL level. He combines excellent athletic metrics, ball‑skills, and positional flexibility. He’s shown ability to play as a box/strong safety, roam in coverage, and contribute in run support. While not a perfect elite tier defender yet, his mix of traits gives him a high baseline and solid upside for a team looking for a smart, well‑rounded piece in the secondary.
Strengths
Agile cover‑versatility: Reid shows fluid movement in coverage and is capable of lining up in different roles, including slot or deep‑half. Bleacher Report
Excellent ball skills and instincts: He tracked the ball well at Stanford, produced multiple interceptions (five in 2017) and showed playmaking ability in the backend.
Strong testing and athleticism: At the combine/pro days he posted top‐tier numbers for his position (e.g., ~4.40 40‑yard dash) which gives him the speed to keep up in coverage and the explosion to support in run defense.
Run‑support and box presence: He has shown willingness and ability to step up in the box, make tackles, blitz if needed, and hold up in run defense situations.
Football IQ & versatility: Coaches and scouts note his ability to recognize route concepts, read plays, and slot into different safety roles (strong/free) which enhances schematic fit. Bleacher Report
Weaknesses
Size/frame concerns: At around 6’0”, ~200‑210 lbs, Reid lacks the prototypical length/size some teams prefer for deep free safety or in press coverage vs. larger receivers/tight ends.
Deep‑speed/straight‑line threats: Some scouts believed he could be exposed by very fast vertical receivers or in single‑high free roles due to occasional depth lapses.
Role of “jack‑of‑all‑trades” vs. elite specialist: Though versatile, he may not yet stand out as the best at one singular elite trait (e.g., pure deep‑ball free safety or elite slot‑corner) which leaves his ceiling dependent on growth.
Occasional over‑pursuit or mis‑reads: In certain game film breaks down, he gambles for plays or is less disciplined in reading play‑action routes or option designs. Bleacher Report
Fit & Outlook
Justin Reid fits best in a defensive scheme that values hybrid safeties — players who can operate near the box, drop into coverage, and change alignments without sacrificing the base run‑defender mindset. He’s particularly well‑suited for teams that ask their safeties to do multiple tasks: cover tight ends or flex backs, blitz from the second level, and still handle deep responsibilities when required. In a system that allows him to rotate between strong and free safety roles, or deploy him as a sub‑box rover, Reid offers strong value. Looking ahead, Reid’s outlook is promising. His baseline level of competency is high — meaning he can be a solid starter early on. The ceiling: if he continues refining his deep‑coverage technique, improves his length/physicality impact, and cements a defined role, he could evolve into a top‑tier safety (think 80th‑percentile or better at his position). On the flip side, if teams continue to expose him in single‑high or length‑demanding situations, he may settle into a “plus starter” rather than a Pro Bowl type. Overall, he’s a smart investment with relatively low risk and a reasonably high reward for teams needing multi‑dimensional safety play.