Broncos undrafted rookie Malik Reed has looked great through three weeks of preseason, totaling eight tackles and two sacks. The Nevada product has been competing to make the team a rotational pass rusher behind starters Von Miller and Bradley Chubb.
Miller has already given him an intimidating nickname.
“We call him the dream killer,” Miller said before practice Thursday. “He’s killing quarterbacks’ dreams every single day. He’s a great guy. He’s humble. He just wants to play football. He just wants to go out there and make plays. I’m a fan. I’m a fan of Malik. I want to see him do great.”
Reed isn’t the first undrafted outside linebacker that has found success in Denver. Colorado State’s Shaq Barrett joined the team in 2014 and went on to record 14 sacks during a four-year tenure with the Broncos. Barrett signed with the Buccaneers this offseason and Reed is among the players competing to fill his old role.
“He kind of reminds me of Shaq when he came in super talented just trying to find a way to play,” Miller said. “We all saw how that turned out for Shaq. Malik, he’s a great pass rusher and I’m excited for him. I’m excited to see his growth.”
Reed has two more preseason games to prove he deserves a spot on the 53-man roster. Judging from his glowing reviews though, it sounds like Reed probably already has a roster spot locked up.
