Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at fourth-year outside linebacker Malik Reed, No. 59.
Before the Broncos: Reed (6-2, 235 pounds) began to make a name for himself at the University of Nevada. As a member of the Wolf Pack, Reed helped lead the team to two bowl game berths. He finished his career ranked first in the Mountain West conference in forced fumbles (11), completed the 2018 season as the conference’s leader in tackles for losses (16) and was he received All-Mountain West first-team honors in his junior and senior years.
Broncos tenure: With these statistics, it is hard to believe that Reed went undrafted in 2019. The Broncos picked up Reed as a college free agent in the spring of 2019, where he battled through training camp to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
During his rookie season, Reed saw action in 15 games, starting eight. That year, he had 11 solo tackles, four tackles for losses, one fumble recovery and made two sacks.
In the seasons since, Reed has started 13 games in 2020 and 2021, setting career highs for tackles, sacks (leading the team with eight) and sack yards in 2020. In 2021, Reed stepped up in the absence of Von Miller, who was traded in the middle of the season, becoming a veteran voice in the locker room.
Chances to make the 53 man roster: Reed has continued to increase his production, season by season. Alongside Bradley Chubb, new draftee Nik Bonitto and 2021 surprise Jonathan Cooper, Reed could have another big year as a rotational pass rusher. If Reed stays healthy, which has been a problem for Denver OLBs in recent years, Reed could be a key player for first-year defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.
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