Texans 2025 draft pick profile: DB Jaylen Reed
One can't have too many defensive standouts, right?
Despite adding former Eagles do-it-all defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson this offseason in a trade surrounding Kenyon Green, the Houston Texans wanted to add another member to their "no-fly zone" defense. After adding USC defensive back Jaylin Smith at pick No. 97, the Texans traded up in Day 3 to select Penn State safety Jaylen Reed with the 187th pick.
A three-year starter for the Nittany Lions, Reed became an anchor for Penn State's backend in coverage this fall. Helping the Big Ten program reach the College Football Playoff semifinal, Reed totaled a career-high 97 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown against Wisconsin.
Here's a quick rundown on Reed:
The Basics
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 210 pounds
Age: 22
From: Detroit, Michigan
Breakdown
"Reed is a fantastic fit for the Texans as an athletic, downhill safety who hits hard as a blitzer and in run defense. He offers good size at 6-foot and 212 pounds and has the tools to cover. He'll need to improve his technique to become a starter at safety but should at least be a special teams ace for the Texans early on." - Ayrton Ostly
Lance Zierlein's Scouting Report
Reed has NFL size and good overall production as a three-year starter but there are concerns on tape. 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.
RAS Score
Grade: B+
"From a scheme fit, it's great. Reed said he models his game after Gardner-Johnson, which is a good thing since he'll likely serve as his backup this fall. Better in coverage than in space, he'll need to improve as a tackle and play with a more balanced approach, but he screams "DeMeco Ryans' type." By the sixth round, if a player can add special-teams value, it's a solid selection." - Texans Wire's Cole Thompson
Highlights
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