Jalyin Noel.
Jaylin Smith.
Jaylen Reed.
Welcome to the Houston Texans.
With the 187th overall pick, the Texans landed Penn State defensive back Jaylen Reed. The former Nittany Lion should compete for second-team reps in the secondary behind Jimmie Ward, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Calen Bullock.
Reed intercepted three passes last season and had 98 tackles with three pass breakups and one forced fumble, helping Penn State reach the College Football Playoff semifinal. In 2023, he had 46 tackles and two interceptions.
Over three seasons, Reed finished with 181 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble, five interceptions, a defensive touchdown, 12 passes defended and seven pass breakups.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote the following evaluation of Reed:
“Reed has NFL size and good overall production as a two-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.”
Texans’ 2025 draft picks
- Round 2 No. 34 : Jayden Higgins, WR Iowa State
- Round 2: No. 48: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
- Round 3: No. 79: Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
- Round 3: No. 98: Jaylin Smith, DB, USC
- Round 4: No. 116: Woody Marks, RB, USC
- Round 6: No. 187: Jaylen Reed, DB, Penn State
- Round 6, Pick 216:
- Round 7, Pick 224:
- Round 7, Pick 241:
- Round 7, Pick 255: