UDFA Ross Reynolds, G, Iowa

Apr 28, 2019 at 11:09 AM

Heroism
Veteran
Posts: 23,311

This system has a long history of turning UDFA into NFL-caliber guards, so keep an eye on this guy.

I think Iowa LG Ryan Reynolds has a solid shot of making the 49ers, but his best work comes with the pads on.

- He is VERY physical with a nasty demeanor
- Looks for work and consistently finishes
- Good hand usage to gain/re-gain leverage throughout a block pic.twitter.com/C3VZpevtMd
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) April 28, 2019

*ROSS Reynolds is really good at figuring out a way to sustain blocks in the running game. Once his hands get latched inside the frame or even if they are initially unset, he's efficient about reworking them inside to regain control and finish: pic.twitter.com/2eyIaZZqiF
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) April 28, 2019

Above tweet/clips continued:

Clip 1. Really like how he covered up that NT prior to the timely release to pick off the shooting backer. That is a sign of understanding the scheme, his assignment, & processing.

Clip 2. Pin-pull. Good job staying tight in his track, fit, & finish
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) April 28, 2019

Do all these things translate over to his anchoring ability? I think they do.

- Good job not oversetting the tight 3
- Up/under with hands + 👌 inside hand use/placement
- Power step to cut off inside path
- Hip mobility, creating force through the ground
- STOUT pic.twitter.com/dx890B5RSY
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) April 28, 2019

Watch Reynolds set inside with his eyes on the NT, but use his outside hand to stab the B gap blitzer. Then to smoothly transition anchor back down on the nose: pic.twitter.com/1f7IJR12WI
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) April 28, 2019

Getting guys leaning and finishing them into the ground is par for the course in the run game with Reynolds.

Fun fact: Lettered 3 years in track and was a high level shot put & discuss thrower. He set his HS school record in shot put by 3 feet. pic.twitter.com/mmEooktRGu
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) April 28, 2019

Same foot-same shoulder contact on the 3T combo to pin & stack him for his C then this fit & finish on the backer?

Folks... pic.twitter.com/GlRM2J9xl2
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) April 28, 2019

Apr 28, 2019 at 11:20 AM

frankieuc68
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Posts: 4,238

Thanks Hero! Hope he develops and makes our future roster.

Apr 28, 2019 at 4:41 PM

Bitplayer
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Posts: 1,176

One thing you do have to say about Lynch and Shanahan is they have brought in good udfa these past two years. Hopefully this gentleman is one of them.

Apr 28, 2019 at 4:55 PM

NCommand
Hall of Fame
Posts: 123,365

He only has these guys to beat out.

LT: Joe Staley; Shon Coleman
LG: Laken Tomlinson; Ben Garland
C: Weston Richburg; Erik Magnuson
RG: Mike Person; Joshua Garnett
RT: Mike McGlinchey

[ Edited by NCommand on Apr 28, 2019 at 5:17 PM ]

Apr 28, 2019 at 5:29 PM

NYniner85
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Posts: 107,799

Love what I'm seeing!

Apr 28, 2019 at 5:34 PM

9moon
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Posts: 20,166

hoooohhhhhweeeeeehhhh !!!

HE NASTY !!!

I LIKE NASTY GUARDS !!

I HAVEN'T SEEN THE TYPE OF NASTINESS SINCE OG/OC NEWBERRY CAME OUT OF CAL!!!

GREAT FIND !!!

I WISH HIM THE BEST !!!!!

Apr 28, 2019 at 5:39 PM

NCommand
Hall of Fame
Posts: 123,365

Originally posted by NYniner85:
Love what I'm seeing!

Could be another UDFA gem. Who picks these? Peters?

Apr 28, 2019 at 5:40 PM

GORO
Veteran
Posts: 2,250

The video looks really good, can't understand why he did not get drafted. Be watching if 49ers try to sneak him on practice squad by giving him limited playing time during preseason

Apr 28, 2019 at 5:44 PM

Heroism
Veteran
Posts: 23,311

Even his draft profile is encouraging:

Reynolds took a long path to becoming an NFL prospect. He played in just four games in his first three years with the Hawkeyes despite a great high school career that landed him on Iowa's all-state team after his senior year. Reynolds then played in every game at left guard as a junior, even starting the opener. He won the starting job before his final season, lining up for all 13 games and earning second-team All-Big Ten honors from league coaches. His final game saw him stand up to star Mississippi State defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons in the team's Outback Bowl win.

Overview
Late developer whose progress was hindered by bad weight and a knee injury during the early to middle stages of his time at Iowa. After leaning down and getting stronger, Reynolds was a solid backup in 2017 and a good starter in 2018. He finishes with good toughness and determination, but his weight room strength won't always get guys pushed around in a head-to-head setting. While he's been a career guard, he is better served at center where he could compete for a roster spot for a zone-heavy team.

Strengths
-Guard who has athleticism to play center
-Plays with good leverage and athleticism in zone game
-Initial quickness to reach front side blocks and roll cutting on the backside
-Shows good patience and timing on combo blocks
-Consistently runs feet through his blocks
-Hip-to-hip double teams with good footwork
-Gets to second level and can match up when there
-Footwork generally solid in pass protection
-Plays with mean streak and looks for work

Weaknesses
Just one year as full-time starter
-Lacks desired mass along interior as guard
-Doesn't show enough pop at point of contact
-Could struggle with functional play-side power in zone
-Inconsistent getting base blocks turned
-Pass pro technique is below average
-Needs to uncork a stronger initial pass punch
-Has too much lean and head placement