Nick

Reed

The Bucs had no use for Reed, not even to compete for a roster spot. He was due a $540K salary. Tampa Bay will move forward with George Johnson and Da’Quan Bowers behind Adrian Clayborn and Michael Bennett at defensive end.

The Bucs are desperate for help along the defensive line as they continue to get gashed in the trenches. Reed, a 2009 seventh-round pick of the Seahawks, has 23 tackles and one sack in 23 career games.

Reed appeared in seven games as a rotational lineman, notching six tackles. He’s been let go in favor of long-time Falcon Chauncey Davis.

A seventh-round pick by Seattle in 2009, Reed is small pass rusher with a relentless motor. The former Oregon Duck has 23 tackles in 16 career games with the Seahawks, Bears, and Bucs.

Jackson is the “Leo,” or left end, while Clemons is at the “elephant,” or right end position. Nick Reed is backing up Clemons, and rookie E.J. Wilson is behind Jackson. Defensive tackle Red Bryant is also getting work as a “five technique” defensive end in certain packages. It’s a run-stopping position.

Reed, who led the Oregon Ducks with 13 sacks and 20 tackles for loss as a senior, made up for major size shortcomings (6'2/245) with a relentless motor in college. He’ll have a real hard time keeping that going at this level.

Another huge weakness. Seattle’s current starters combined for 7.5 sacks in 31 appearances last season. Assuming the Seahawks draft a left tackle of the future at No. 6 overall, they should be able to target a true every-down defensive end (if not cornerback or safety) with the 14th overall selection.

Davis was a defensive end at Arizona State, where he was a three-time All-Pac-10 pick. He’ll have to adjust to standing up to play coach Pete Carroll’s “elephant” role. Essentially, he’ll be a roving pass rusher. Davis will try to push the current starter at that spot, Chris Clemons, and backup Nick Reed.

Reed didn’t fit Seattle’s new defense, so he was probably never going to last under Pete Carroll. The former Oregon Duck is coming off a knee scope. He could help someone on special teams and as a situational rusher.

Reed isn’t a household name, but he’s quite possibly Seattle’s best pass-rushing defensive end behind Chris Clemons. It’d be no small loss if he missed regular season time. The team doesn’t have a viable fill-in nickel end.