Malik Reaves is the kind of guy you root for to make it.
A two-time All-CAA cornerback out of Villanova, Reaves was a four-year starter that participated in 45 games over his collegiate career. His best season as a senior was cut two and a half games short due to injury, but even then he had exceeded previous totals in interceptions, tackles, and pass breakups. A focused, dedicated, instinctual, student of the game, Reaves brings all the desired intangibles you could ask for in a defensive back.
Reaves recently met with the Oakland Raiders on a Top-30 visit, allowing him a chance to sit down with the Raiders defensive backs coaching staff and break down film. A diligent film study, preparation is key to aiding Reaves to play with good instinct and to pick his spots to make a play. He’s generating plenty of interest too, having already met with the Chiefs, and having Houston and the defending champion Eagles in line as well.
With long rangy arms, Reaves is a pesky defender and gets his hands on everything. Whether it be a jam the pass or a tucked football, Reaves is always looking to dispossess the ball from the other team. He has good strength for a defensive back. In fact, when asked, he informed me that he can rep 225 pounds at least 15 times. With a 33 inch vertical leap, Reaves doesn’t leave a big catch window for an opposing quarterback to throw to.
Standing at six-feet and tipping the scales at a lean 200 pounds, Reaves is a good-sized defensive back with an enormous amount of versatility. A defensive back who isn’t afraid to stick his nose in there on running plays is admirable; however, not only is Reaves not averse to contact but crisp tackling is a focal point of his game. An A+ plus tackler, rarely does he miss a tackle due to exceptional form and technique.
What sets Reaves apart from many others are his leadership qualities, ball-hawking abilities, and being personally motivated by being doubted. Reaves has never doubted himself, nor has he bought into any naysayers. In a zone and off-man based coverage scheme, Reaves can excel and the ball has a habit of jumping into his arms. Perfect for a club that set NFL records for interception futility last season.
Attached is the full-length interview we did 04/12/18, enjoy Raider Nation!