D.J. Reader
NT, Clemson · 2016 NFL Draft, Round 5, pick #166 (HOU)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age. Details below.
- Age
22 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.1% of the time (2,011 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #143 (#17 at his position), close to where he went (#166). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Clemson: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 5.33 40-yard dash at 327 lbs: faster than 2% of DLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.2% of the time (1,232 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
NT (DL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53% of the time (966 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 136 of ~165 possible regular-season games from 2016 through 2025 (~82%). Plus 7 games so far in 2026.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 143 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 7 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 47 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 1.8 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 48.8 |
| Defense | 184 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2016 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2016 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 22 | 56.1% n=2,011 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Bottom 25% at his position | 50.2% n=1,232 | |
| Position DL | 53.0% n=966 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 3", 327 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 5.33 s |
| Bench press | 30 reps |
| Vertical | 29.5" |
| Broad jump | 99" |
| 3-cone | 7.9 s |
| Shuttle | 4.71 s |
| Arm / hand | 31.75" / 9.63" |
| Age at draft | 22 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #143 overall (#17 NT) |
Picked around him 2016 redraft
| 163 | Trevor Davis | redraft #193 |
| 164 | Halapoulivaati Vaitai | redraft #76 |
| 165 | Tyreek Hill | redraft #3 |
| 167 | Marqui Christian | redraft #151 |
| 168 | Spencer Drango | redraft #134 |
| 169 | Antwione Williams | redraft #187 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.