Chicago Bears NFL Draft Sleeper: Malik Reed – edge rusher

Q&A with Malik Reed

DaWindyCity (DWC): Thanks for taking the time to join us today Malik — let’s jump right in. Prior to last season, you made the switch from defensive end to outside linebacker. Do you have a preference?

Malik Reed (MR): I really don’t have a preference, but the thing I enjoy the most about football is getting after the quarterback and at both positions, I have an opportunity to do that. So I was open to the idea of switching last year. But it was my first time playing off the ball, having to see more. At defensive end I was used to things being in my face right away, but at OLB I have to read keys and read defensive linemen. It was slow to start, but as each day and each week passed, I could see myself getting better. From the spring all the way to my last game I improved and feel like I did a good job.

DWC: So do you feel like it’s still a learning process?

MR: As far as coverage and getting comfortable with it I’d say yeah. But as far as knowing coverages I feel like I have a good understanding and now it’s just about getting more reps since last year was my first year playing the position.

DWC: Talk to me about your experience in blitz packages. Were you able to blitz much from the OLB position?

MR: We blitzed a lot because we played a 3-3-5 stack, so it was an attacking defense and we’d bring someone almost every play. But we had a sub-package where I’d go back to defensive end and be able to get after the quarterback mostly on third-downs when we felt like they were going to pass it.

DWC: The Bears’ new defensive coordinator, Chuck Pagano, is also known for bringing the blitz and I understand he was your coach at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Tell me, what were your impressions of him as a coach?

MR: I liked him a lot. He seemed like he was a real people person and players coach. Someone who could get along with their players and understand where they’re coming from, but also someone who commanded respect and looked out for his players’ best interests. He wanted us to come out ready to work and give it everything we had. I really enjoyed the experience and learned a lot from him that weekend. He has such a wealth of knowledge so I just tried to soak it all in.

DWC: What were some of the things you picked up from him?

MR: Just like you said, the aggressiveness of his defenses and how he likes to blitz, and understanding the right situations to bring pressure. He was explaining to me how important it was to make sure you have the edge on the defense. I was playing “Sam” so our responsibility was to keep the edge. So he was explaining how important that was and if you didn’t have it, teams would gash you.

DWC: What are your thoughts about possibly playing for him in Chicago?

MR: Oh man, that would be great. He’s had a lot of success in his time in the NFL. So to be able to learn from someone like that who could help me develop and learn more about the game and the position of linebacker would be tremendous. It would be great to have a guy like that to learn from.

DWC: Speaking of working hard, a lot of people that know you talk about your relentless motor and your tremendous work ethic. Where does that come from?

MR: It’s something that developed over time. I played three sports in high school — basketball, baseball, and football — so I was playing sports year round. But when I got to eleventh grade, I noticed I could do some things on the football field really well. I saw it as an opportunity to play at the next level and get a scholarship, so I stopped playing other sports and focused on football. I tried to get bigger, faster, and stronger. I kept getting better every week, and basically, that’s when it started. When I first got to college, I started back at the bottom and had to grind. It was a humbling experience, but it increased the hunger and drive in me to want to get better and improve on a daily basis and see how good I could be. I feel like you can never be good enough, so it was a burning passion to see the limits I could break and keep pushing past. It continued to grow from there and every year I’d find something I could improve upon.

DWC: So it seems like the success you were having kept fueling you?

MR: Yeah, just to see how far I’ve come and how far God has brought me. That’s the major thing because without him I wouldn’t have been in Reno or where I am today. Just having him with me at all times and glorifying him with what I do and the success I have is why I’m here today and why I’m having the success I am.

DWC: In your college career you forced 11 fumbles. How do you create so many turnovers?

MR: It’s just a product of energy — just flying to the ball and making sure you get after the ball. That’s something I learned early in my career. When you get to the ball try to make a play, try to make something special happen. In practice, we’d work on getting to the ball-carrier and tugging the ball. When you bring that energy to the ball you’d be surprised how often it comes out.

DWC: Is there a player in the league that you like to model your game after?

MR: I don’t want to say I model my game after one player, but I like to watch Von Miller, Khalil Mack, Melvin Ingram, Joey Bosa, Robert Mathis, Dwight Freeney, DeMarcus Ware. I like seeing how the pass rushers affect the game.

DWC: What would you say are your three biggest strengths?

MR: My pass rush ability, athleticism, and IQ/instincts.

DWC: What kind of pass rush moves do you like the most?

MR: I like to use my speed, like a speed dip and counter off it with a spin move. I like to stab as well, like the long-arm.

DWC: If you had a chance to talk to all 32 NFL general managers, what would you tell them?

MR: I would tell them that in drafting me you’re getting a guy that will come in and give it all I got. Every day I step into that building you’ll get all of me. I’ll do whatever I have to do to help the team. I’m willing to learn and to be versatile. The opportunity to play at the highest level is a dream of mine I want to achieve, and I want to make an impact wherever I go. I’m ready to go to work.

DWC: Is there a part of your game you think people might be underrating?

MR: I would say playing the run. I’m labeled as a pass-rusher but I’m an all-around player. My instincts are good enough to play the run too.

DWC: Have you had an opportunity to chat with anyone from the Chicago Bears?

MR: Yeah I talked to a couple of their scouts while I was at the NFLPA game.

DWC: Have you ever been out to Soldier Field?

MR: I saw it but I didn’t get too close.

DWC: Well maybe someday you’ll be playing your home games there.

MR: Oh yeah, that would be lovely. I would definitely enjoy that!

DWC: Malik, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us today and we wish you the best of luck the rest of the way.

MR: Thank you man, I really appreciate it.

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