Seahawks DT Jarran Reed says fans have to ‘trust’ young D-line
Jul 17, 2018, 10:23 AM
Seahawks DT Jarran Reed finished his 2018 season with 10.5 sacks. (AP)
(AP)
Among the Seahawks’ biggest roster moves this offseason were the departures of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson and defensive end Michael Bennett – the latter via trade – and the release of Pro Bowl defensive end Cliff Avril. Despite mounting questions surrounding this year’s younger pass rush (rated as No. 18 by Pro Football Focus), third-year defensive tackle Jarran Reed has one message for Seahawks fans: Trust us.
Reed was asked about the development of younger players on Seattle’s D-line during an interview with Danny, Dave and Moore on 710 ESPN Seattle.
“You lose those guys, but you pick up the younger guys that’s in their steps, such as myself, Frank Clark, Naz Jones, Brandon Jackson, (and) Dion Jordan,” Reed told Danny, Dave and Moore. “I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. Those guys left us in great hands; we learned from the best. So everybody’s got to trust us and trust that we’re going to go out and do our job.
“I don’t think (anybody) should be worried,” Reed added with a laugh. “Because we’re all hungry, especially to show the world.”
Competing this summer on the interior of the line are Reed and second-year player Nazair Jones, who will have a chance to build off a promising rookie season. Also competing for time will Quinton Jefferson, and ex-Vikings Tom Johnson and Shamar Stephen, both of whom signed with Seattle in March.
At defensive end, Frank Clark, who started 12 games last year after Avril suffered a season-ending neck injury, will presumably take over a regular starting role. Also in the mix are Dion Jordan and Branden Jackson, and 2018 Draft picks Rasheem Green and Jacob Martin.
Despite the changes, Reed said he doesn’t feel nervous ahead of training camp (kicking off July 26 at Seahawks’ headquarters in Renton).
“I always get excited to get back to work,” Reed said. “Never nervous. This is my family, man. This is my distant family away from home. I’m always excited to get back, see the guys, see everybody. It’s gonna be like a family reunion when we get back.”
And even without longtime leaders on defense, head coach Pete Carroll told reporters in May he doesn’t worry about the lack of leadership.
“What it does in our situation is it allows for other guys to kind of step forward and speak up,” Carroll said at an NFL annual meeting. “I think you are going to see Jarran Reed have a bigger impact than ever… (Reed) had a couple of great years for us, and is really the heart and soul up front.”
“It sends chills through my body,” Reed said of his reaction to Carroll’s comments. “(It) makes me realize that they do have faith in me, that they believe in me. And of course, (faith that I will) just being able to get along with the players, and be vocal, and to go out there to show it and to do it. That’s one thing I’ve always carried with me throughout my life.
“As far as calling myself a leader, I wouldn’t do that. I’m just trying to be the best teammate and best player that I can be in the locker room and on the field for my teammates and my guys that I’m out there battling with.”
Reed also talked about his love of bowling (he participated in a charity bowling fundraiser to support the Wounded Warriors Project) and superstitions. Listen to Reed’s entire interview with Danny, Dave and Moore here.
