There might not be another player heading into the NFL Draft that has gained more late momentum than Temple linebacker Haason Reddick.
The 6-foot-1, 226-pound talent is coming off of a season where he wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks, running backs and offensive linemen on a regular basis. Reddick — who is expected to get selected in the first 10 picks — finished last season with 65 tackles (22.5 for loss) 9.5 sacks, five pass deflections, four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception. If that stat tells you anything, it's that the Owls' monster can do it all, while constantly creating disruption.
I caught up with Reddick on Wednesday as he was working on a pre-draft campaign with Hyundai. The former Temple star wasn't shy about telling me where he believed he stood amongst the draft-eligible defensive players.
Reddick truly believes he's the best.
RELATED: Reddick, Mahomes Prove Low-Rated Recruits Can Be NFL First-Round Picks
"I'm not only the best pass rusher, I think I'm the best defensive player in the draft," Reddick told HERO Sports. "That's because I'm so versatile. I can rush the passer, I can play linebacker, I can cover. How many players do you know that can play every position? During my college career, I played almost every position on the the defense at some point. How many true pass rushers in this draft can play off ball backer, or you can ask them to cover a back or tight end? How many off-ball players can you ask to put their hand in the dirt or rush the passer? I don't think you can name one guy but me."
I interviewed Reddick ahead of the 2016 season and he was a bit more quiet and reserved. On Wednesday, though, I saw something much different. It was a noticeable confidence and drive. It was clear Reddick worked insanely hard to get to this point since coming out of high school with very few offers and is thrilled about the progress he's made.
In a NFL where getting to the quarterback is placed at a premium, talent evaluators have no choice but to give Reddick a hard look. He's one of those players you can watch and instantly know he's destined for greatness at the next level.
