Never Stop: Austin Reed, QB, Western Kentucky

First Round Mock’s William Yanish takes another look at quarterback (QB) Austin Reed out of Western Kentucky, a QB who reminds him of former Jets QB, Chad Pennington.

When grading quarterbacks over the years, it’s easier to recognize tendencies and absorb patterns. The turnover between players and systems is at an all-time high thanks to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal. 

So many of these players aren’t living up to the hype of having a different system each year with different coaches.

Can you imagine just how simple the offenses are getting in college football? 

Luckily, some players have the opportunity to become familiar with their surroundings. 

The last time I put a grade on Western Kentucky University (WKU) QB Austin Reed I had some superb things to say about him (first-round grade). However, regression is a thing, even if it is only because of just not taking the next step forward.

It is not necessarily a bad thing either.

Grading a prospect accurately is imperative for their growth and future as a player. Over-hype can stunt and even break prospects, never letting them fully realize their potential. 

Background

I couldn’t place who Reed was reminding me of for the life of me during my initial assessment. It was getting to me. One of the first games I watched last season was a 63-10 shellacking by the Ohio State Buckeyes and I never saw one ounce of quit. It is just who Reed is, a gunslinging warrior. 

It finally hit me. 

Reed reminded me of former New York Jets QB Chad Pennington.

The Yanish Report

Taller, solid body type. Footwork is a work in progress and needs to set before throwing. Concise while climbing the pocket. Will not take many sacks. Just enough arm to serve. Quick-release. Does a decent job making quick decisions, and gets the ball out accordingly. Scans progressions. Intangibles galore. Touch passer. Sets a lightning-fast pace. Outstanding football IQ. Gunslinging mentality. Uptempo team leader. Organized. No quit. 

For the win

In an age-old tale, the backup QB is the most popular guy on a struggling team. There’s always demand for a fiery prospect to step up, either because of injuries or poor play. Having multiple years of starting experience in college can easily make you the next guy in line. 

Something that became apparent after scouting Reed the next season was the need for a strong supporting cast. Reed and his top receiver Malachi Corley had great chemistry in the short to intermediate passing lanes.

When he does get drafted, his new team will have a solid player who has potential.

Reed did take a step back in 2023.

He did that by not taking the next step in his development. Reed is still a tough-as-nails QB and should have little problem securing a roster spot in the NFL. 

My BIG three questions

1. Can he become more consistent and efficient with his footwork to clean up his overall mechanics?
2. How will he adjust to the speed of the NFL?
3. Will the transition to a pro-style offense have an impact on his development?

My 2024 NFL Draft Value (updated value): Third-Round

2023 Game film evidence Memphis (Jersey No. 16)

Troy

Liberty

Middle Tennessee

Louisiana Tech

William Yanish III is a lifelong football fan. He’s from the little town of Crawford, Colorado. Along the way, he’s lived in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and Brookings, Oregon. Quarterback Joe Montana was his idol growing up. A little bit of CTE from life’s adventures killed his dreams as a football player. Now, he is an aspiring writer and Draft Analyst at FirstRoundMock.com. He’s a fanatic with a dream, which is coming true.