Ex-Penn State safety Jaylen Reed receives high praise for NFL Combine performance

Jaylen Reed appeared to surprise himself when he ran a solid 4.49-second 40-yard dash on Friday at the NFL Combine.

Well, he’s apparently not the only one who came away impressed.

Around the NFL’s Nick Shook declared Reed an All-Combine Defensive Team standout from his on-field workouts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Reed was one of two safeties on Shook’s list, joining Georgia’s Malaki Starks.

Importantly, Shook gave preference to players who took part in full on-field drills. South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori had one of the best testing days in NFL Combine history, but Reed took the spot because of his participation.

“Reed’s testing numbers didn’t stand out, but he looked like a natural on the field Friday, handling every drill as if he’d done each hundreds of times prior,” Shook wrote. “He was incredibly smooth throughout the session, never appearing overwhelmed by the moment, and relied on his football instincts to succeed at every stop.”

The former Penn State safety truly is an instinctual player, who made his living in Happy Valley by being able to play all of strong safety, free safety and nickel cornerback. He said last week that NFL teams have given him a grade between the second and fourth rounds, specifically coming away impressed with his versatility.

Each time Penn State needed a big defensive play in 2024, it seemed like Reed was there. He led the team with 98 tackles and three interceptions, adding 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

“I always felt like I was underrated. I still feel like I’m underrated. I see all these freaking mock drafts every single day. I’m going in the seventh round,” Reed said. “I always take that under my belt. Don’t let the media control my head space.”