2016 NFL Draft: Clemson DT DJ Reader Drafted by the Texans

Coming into the 2015 season DJ Reader was expected to start at defensive tackle for Clemson since he had been an important rotational player in 2014. However, Reader announced a voluntary leave of absence from the team at the start of fall camp. It is believed that he stepped away from the team because he was still dealing with the recent passing of his father. Reader camp back about halfway through the season for the Miami game and was an important part of Clemson's season.

DJ Reader carries his weight well and his surprisingly athletic for his size. He actually played baseball at Clemson for one season. On the gridiron he is a space-eating and run-stopping nose tackle that uses his tremendous strength to occupy multiple blockers, disrupt run plays, and allow the linebackers to get to the ball carrier.

However, Reader needs to work on his ability to disengage from blockers once he drives them into the backfield, which can mainly be fixed by improving hand technique. He'll be backing up future Hall of Fame DT Vince Wilfork so I am confident that Reader can improve. He may not make many, or any Pro Bowls, but I think he could have a productive NFL career.