Comcast Presents 2010 Scouting Report: Vincent Rey, LB, Duke

In recent years, one of the Jaguars' biggest strength has been the team's special teams unit. They have been successful due to the accumulation of players in later rounds of the draft that have become special teams aces. Former Jaguar Chad Nkang and current Jaguars Montell Owens and William Middleton are just a few of examples of the parts that have made the special teams unit such a successful one. 

In the late rounds of the draft and in undrafted free agency, look for the Jaguars to draft players that have the upside to become solid players at their position while also providing the insurance of being a solid special teamer in the case that their skills don't project to the next level well. Duke linebacker Vincent Rey is a perfect example of this type of player and could be one that the Jaguars attempt to bring into camp with a late round pick or through undrafted free agency.

That said, don't think that Rey is nothing more than a special teams player. In his 4 years at Duke, Rey was a three year starter and played in all but one game over the 4 years. His production cannot be ignored as he accumulated over 300 tackles in his final 3 years at the university. 

At just under 6'1, Rey has relied on his athleticism and speed to make plays from sideline to sideline. Rey impressed scouts at his pro day by putting on a show that would've even raised eyebrows at the combine. His 4.54 40 time would've had him tied with Jamar Chaney for the fastest time at the combine if he had received an invite. 

The question about Rey is whether or not he has the frame and the strength to be able to shed the blocks at the next level. His 20 reps on the bench press didn't do much to erase those doubts in scouts minds. If Rey can make improvements in his ability to shed blocks, he could become a Gary Brackett-esque player for the Jaguars.

Video Killed the Scouting Report

Vincent Rey: By the Numbers

2nd Team All-ACC 2009

According to the Experts

CDS Draft

Pros

Rey is a stocky, powerful player who has shown a tremendous ability to make plays. Rey is an excellent tackler who always gets the guy down and can deliver a pop as well. Has a low center of gravity and is able to get under the pads of the blockers and has the strength to shed them and get to the ball-carrier. Smart player who understands what the offense is doing and doesn't waste steps going the wrong way. Rey is solid in pursuit and takes good angles to the ball. Durable player who has shown solid leadership skills too.

Cons

Rey is a bit short and is not the most athletic player around. He's not flexible and doesn't have the COD and lateral agility to get to the outside. A real liability in pass coverage.

NFLDraftScout

He was basically a tackling machine and he had enough speed to make big plays. His athleticism is a strength, but he's probably a long shot as a draft selection.

National Football Post

A short, undersized middle linebacker prospect who possesses a long set of arms and a thick trunk, Rey has a nose for the ball inside and does a good job reading his run/pass keys. However, he struggles to take on blocks in all aspects of the game, lacks power at the point of attack and can be easily washed out of plays on contact. He doesn't use his hands well when trying to pick his way through traffic and gets cut down too easily on the inside. Rey has both above-average range and work rate in pursuit, but is easily knocked off balance and struggles to cleanly close on the ball. 

He knows that he struggles when asked to stack and shed and will instead try to slip blocks and run around them. He consistently takes himself out of plays, losing sight of the ball. He showcases a good feel in zone coverage and displays the footwork to flip his hips and quickly get out of his breaks to close on the ball. Rey isn't a physical tackler in any area of the game. He's more of a drag-down guy, and from a physical standpoint doesn't have what it takes to find a spot on an NFL defense.