9. D.J. Reader, Cincinnati Bengals
D.J. Reader has been steadily improving every season in the NFL, since being selected in the fifth round of the 2016 draft by the Houston Texans. Last season was a stellar year for Reader, who parlayed his on-the-field success into a new contract with the Cincinnati Bengals on the open market. Reader set new career-high marks in quarterback pressures (36), quarterback hits (11), quarterback hurries (22), tackles (41) and “stops,” with 35.
His ability to help against the run is a selling point for many, but it is what Reader can do pushing the pocket from the interior that will make a difference in today’s NFL. On a Sunday night against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, Reader was a force on the interior against the veteran quarterback. That night he had a season-high five quarterback pressures and four quarterback hits, ad this play is just one example of how he wins on the inside:
Bear in mind that Reader is working against Joe Thuney, one of the league’s top guards. But let’s talk about why this play is impressive from the defensive tackle. Due to the late motion Reader actually gets a late jump on this snap, as he is trying to shift as the ball is snapped (begging the question as to why teams don’t use motion at the snap more often). Reader then uses a speed rush move on Thuney, and the guard looks in good position. Brady, however, does not, and tries to slide around Reader’s initial penetration upfield. That is when the DT responds with foot quickness and strength, cutting underneath Thuney to pressure Brady and force a throw under duress.
Quick interior pressure is one of the things that works best to throw off the timing of passing plays, and Reader can bring that in bunches. Now, with Geno Atkins alongside him, he’ll be able to do that for the Bengals.