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Where will Penn State safety Jaylen Reed start his NFL career? He's off the board in the Draft

Greg Pickelby:Greg Pickel•04/26/25•

GregPickel

Penn State defensive back Jaylen Reed (DB47) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images)
Penn State defensive back Jaylen Reed (DB47) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images)

Penn State safety Jaylen Reed is the latest former Lion to go off the board during the 2025 NFL Draft. Where will he start his pro career?

The Houston Texans took the Michigan native with the No. 187 overall pick in Round 6 of the pro selection process. He was an All-Big Ten honorable mention selection in 2023 after making 46 tackles (four for loss) and tallying up one sack, two interceptions, and a pass breakup.

When fellow first-teamer KJ Winston Jr., was lost to a season-ending injury five and a half quarters into the 2024 schedule, Reed stepped up in a significant way both at his position and as a leader of the team and defense. He finished his final season in blue and white with second-team All-Big Ten honors after netting 98 tackles (seven for loss), three interceptions, and 2.5 sacks. Yet, despite all of his production, he felt overlooked on the national scene, both by college football award voters and NFL Draft media.

Reed is the fourth Penn State player to go in this year’s NFL Draft. He follows Abdul Carter (who went to the Giants), Tyler Warren (Colts), and KJ Winston Jr., (Tennessee).

What will Penn State safety Jaylen Reed bring to the table in the NFL?

“One thing that I think separates me is that teams want me to play all three. I feel like that separates me a lot right now. A lot of safeties play strong, or they play free, or they play nickel,” Reed said after Pro Day in March.

“I feel like [I can play] all three in the NFL. That’s a lot of pressure as a rookie to learn three positions. But it’s been something I’ve been doing my whole life, so I’m not really worried.”

What does NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein think of the Penn State safety?

“Reed has NFL size and good overall production as a two-year starter. But there are concerns on tape,” he writes.

“He plays with natural instincts and route awareness to make plays on the ball. But, is too inconsistent in finding where he needs to be in coverage. He doesn’t run well enough to play over the top or handle certain targets in man coverage. He’s physical enough as a run supporter but needs to improve his approach as an open-field tackler. Reed is best suited to play as a backup safety in downhill zone coverages.”

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