Penn State’s Star Safety Declares for NFL Draft After Dominant Season – Scouts Are Buzzing!

After their semifinal exit in the College Football Playoffs, Penn State is set to send another standout defender to the 2025 NFL Draft. Just two days after top-five prospect Abdul Carter announced his decision to declare, All-Big Ten safety Jaylen Reed has chosen to follow suit.

Reed, a fourth-year player with one year of collegiate eligibility remaining, has opted to forgo his final season and declare for the draft, according to Jordan Schultz. In 2024, he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors after leading Penn State with 98 tackles, marking a significant step forward in his performance.

Currently projected as a mid-to-late-round pick in most mock drafts, Reed is ranked as the seventh-best safety and No. 91 overall prospect by ESPN. His breakout 2024 season saw him more than double his tackle total from the previous year.

While Reed’s coverage skills may not be his strongest asset, he stands out as a reliable run-stopper and tackler, particularly in the middle of the field. His dependable tackling ability will be a valuable asset for any team. Some scouts have drawn comparisons between his skill set and that of Reed Blankenship from the Philadelphia Eagles.