Scouting Report: Cory Redding

by Tom Kowalski
Wednesday June 25, 2008, 12:06 AM
CORY REDDING

2008 Scouting Report

Redding is coming off two seasons that couldn't be more different. In 2006, after being moved from defensive end to the "three technique'' tackle position, he prospered in the 11 starts at this new position. He had eight sacks and no tackle in the game had more. Redding was very active, disruptive and showed up on film everywhere.


Last year, after a rough off-season with the franchise tag, Redding was mediocre. He showed flashes, but that sustained brilliance was missing and he recorded just one sack.


There is a temptation to believe that once Redding got the big money, he no longer had the hunger or drive and that his game reflected it. Knowing Redding's core values, though, that isn't likely to be the case. The contract stuff did affect him, but it did so in terms of off-season workouts (which he missed) and his attitude (which was a little bitter at the start).

Redding still has the motivation to be one of the best at the position and, interestingly, the loss of fellow tackle Shaun Rogers shouldn't hurt him. It doesn't really make sense from a logical standpoint, but the numbers don't lie - Redding was much more effective when Rogers was out of the game.

This year, Redding will most likely be lining up with veteran Chuck Darby, a solid run defender who isn't going to draw a lot of double-teams. But getting doubled didn't limit Redding in 2006 when he turned in his monster year. If the Lions are going to get any production out of their defensive line this year, Redding knows it has to start with him in the middle. He has to use that quick first step and his massive strength to collapse the middle and give his outside rushers a chance to get to the quarterback.

(By the way, the "three technique'' tackle means that he lines up on the outside shoulder of the guard (between the guard and tackle) -- regardless of whether he's on the strong or weak side of the formation. The nose tackle lines up at the "one'' -- which means he's positioned over the center's shoulder.)