NFL Draft 2011: What Arizona Wildcat Brooks Reed brings to the Houston Texans

Arizona defensive end Brooks Reed is off to the Houston Texans, joining the defense that also includes former UA defensive tackle Earl Mitchell.

"I'm sure Earl put some good words in there for me," Reed told the Arizona Daily Star's Ryan Finley. "I couldn’t be happier playing for that team."

Reed, who donned the No. 42 jersey in college, fell to the second round and coincidentally, the No. 42 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

What can he bring to the Texans?

Reed will likely slide over to the outside linebacker slot in the NFL and play with fellow Pac-10 linebacker Brian Cushing. 

Personally, I don't see Reed being a second-round talent, and he wasn't even the leading defensive end on the Arizona team last season. But he's got a lot of potential to grow and adjust at linebacker, being recruited out of Tucson's Sabino High School as a fullback.

Still, Reed will bring a relentless motor wherever he plays. He often overran coverage at the end slot, but scouts really like his versatility in moves off the line. Reed also is a monster in the weightroom -- strength and speed won't be a problem, as his draft combine numbers showed.

"It’s kind of like a dream right now," Reed told to the Daily Star. "You never imagine yourself getting drafted by a team. It’s really crazy. I’m sure it’ll hit me later on."