Jordan Reed, TE

02/20/2013 - 2013 NFL Combine, Tale of the tape: With scouts having seen most of the top prospects "on the hoof" over the fall and getting a second look at them on the "catwalk" before senior all-star games, the official measuring of heights, weight, hand and arms conducted during the combine is only occasionally newsworthy ... except when it comes to underclassmen, whom scouts often haven't seen up close yet.

One such underclassmen scouts are eager to get accurate measurements on is Florida's Jordan Reed. Possessing a similar blend of overall athleticism as former Florida star Aaron Hernandez, Reed could wind up with an even higher draft-day grade than New England Patriots' standout. To do so, however, he'll need to prove that he's all of the 6-3, 243 pounds the Gators officially listed him as. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com

Full *Jordan Reed News Wire

Reed was a versatile threat at New London High School in Connecticut, where he threw for 1,707 yards and 28 touchdowns as a junior while also rushing for 370 yards and eight touchdowns. He led New London to an undefeated season in 2007, was a finalist for the Joe Montana High School quarterback of the year in 2008 and chose Florida over Connecticut, Oregon, Boston College and Maryland.

Reed redshirted in 2009 before starting four of 12 games the following season. He finished 2010 with six catches for 79 yards (13.2 average) and one touchdown and gained 335 rushing yards on 77 attempts (4.4-yard average) and five touchdowns.

He started 10 of 11 games as a sophomore, again showing impressive versatility. Reed finished the season with 28 catches for 307 yards, leading the team in receptions four times.

Reed emerged as a first-team All-SEC pick in 2012, leading the Gators with 45 catches for 559 yards and three touchdowns. He joined a host of Florida teammates to declare a year early for the NFL Draft.

"I've enjoyed four good years at Florida, but I feel that now is the right time to pursue my dream of playing in the NFL," Reed said. "I appreciate the support from all the coaches and staff here, and I'll always be a Gator."

Lacking the bulk and blocking skills of most traditional tight ends, Reed isn't a fit for every NFL offense. His fluidity and soft hands, however, are reminiscent of former Florida star Aaron Hernandez who has out-played his fourth-round draft selection for the New England Patriots, establishing himself as one of the league's most difficult matchups

STRENGTHS: Reed is a fluid and flexible athlete with smooth body control and controlled balance. He flashes WR moves after the catch with quick, elusive feet and deceiving speed to run away from defenders.

Reed shows smooth athleticism in his routes, creating separation with sharp footwork and quick body movements. He has reliable hands and does a nice job holding onto the ball after a big hit, proving his ability and toughness over the middle of the field.

Reed shows a very good feel for his surroundings with a savvy ability to find open spots in coverage. He flashes some power with the ability to lower his pads through contact and pick up yards after contact.

He also has versatile experience as a former QB with 14 total touchdowns (6 receiving, 5 rushing and 3 passing) the past three seasons. He blossomed as a junior in 2012, leading all SEC TEs in catches (45).

WEAKNESSES: Lacks an ideal frame with only average height and build for the position and needs to continue to add bulk to his body. He has room to improve his route-running and needs to continue to develop his receiving skills at the position.

He needs to be more consistent as a blocker and is too much of a grabber in the run game, attracting holding calls.

Reed needs to stay focused with too many false-start penalties on his resume. He has progressed immensely as a pass catcher, but will have a few drops here and there. Reed had a costly fumble near the end zone against Georgia that cost Florida the game and he needs to consistently hold the ball tighter.

He has battled numerous injuries over his career and there are some questions about how his body will hold up in the NFL.

COMPARES TO: Aaron Hernandez, TE, New England Patriots - Yes, both grew up and prepped in Connecticut before arriving in Gainesville, but the similarities don't end there. Reed shows the unique ability to create receiving mismatches as a "joker" TE against linebackers and defensive backs, similar to what Hernandez has done in New England.

--Rob Rang