Oregon Ducks Defensive Back Nikko Reed's Stock Rising Before NFL Draft?

Reed's meeting with the Bucs shows Tampa Bay could have some interest in him if he falls down the board correctly. It's obviously far from guaranteed that he'll land with the Buccaneers, but if he does, Reed would reunite with former Oregon running back Bucky Irving. The two played together during the 2023 season after Reed had transferred in from Colorado.

Over the past two seasons with Oregon, Reed had 64 total tackles (51 solo), one sack, 13 pass breakups and two interceptions. He was seen as a potential option at punt returner after an injury to Tez Johnson. Though those honors went to wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr., Reed told reporters at the time that he felt natural returning the ball if needed.

"A guy goes down, you have to pick another guy up," Reed said. "I feel like they already knew I had punt return and kick return experience. Putting me back there was just like, 'Let's see how he does back there. . . .' I feel like I'm natural with it so it's just football at the end of the day. I've been I've been doing good getting under the ball and catching it with my elbows tight."

He wasn't the only one the team tried out at punt returner. Reed was joined by receivers Justius Lowe, Evan Stewart, Bryant Jr., Dillon Gresham and Ryan Pellum along with running back Jordan James, who was always an unlikely candidate due to his heavy load on offense. Despite his absence, Johnson eventually returned and remained Oregon's top returner, finishing the season with 13 punt returns for 155 yards and one touchdown.

During Reed's time with the Buffaloes, he posted 50 total tackles (37 solo), eight pass breakups and three interceptions. He served as a kick returner for Colorado in 2021 and 2022, totaling 20 kickoff returns for 530 yards, which was highlighted by a 100-yard touchdown.

Reed and the rest of the NFL Draft Ducks will wait to hear their names called when the festivities begin on Thursday, April 24 in Green Bay.

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