Eagles hosting Penn State safety on pre-draft visit

Philadelphia could look to address the back end of their defense.

It’s time to add another prospect to BGN’s Philadelphia Eagles’ pre-draft visits tracker leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Birds will soon be hosting Penn State safety Jaylen Reed at the NovaCare Complex, according to Mike Garafolo.

Reed, 22, played in 50 games for the Nittany Lions from 2021-2024. He made 29 starts over the last two years and ultimately logged 181 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, seven passes defensed, five interceptions, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.

Here’s some more insight on Reed via SB Nation’s Penn State blog, Black Shoe Diaries:

An early-season injury to star safety Kevin Winston Jr. created plenty of question marks for Penn State football. The depth chart in the secondary looked shaky at best and it seemed like some younger players would need to take important reps early in their careers.

The emergence of safety Jaylen Reed was the perfect solution to this problem. Reed began the year playing in Tom Allen’s “Lion” position, a LB/safety hybrid role that’s more akin to a nickel cornerback than anything else. He broke out in the season opener against West Virginia, logging nine tackles, 2 PBUs, a fumble recovery, and a TFL.

But, following Winston’s injury, Reed was moved around the secondary and played his fair share of both high safety and “Lion.” He excelled in both roles, led the team in defensive snaps, and will now head to the NFL Draft. His positional flexibility, obvious on-field energy, and durability made him a hero of the 2024 defense.

The Eagles could draft Reed to compete with Sydney Brown for the starting job across from Reed Blankenship (side note: Jaylen Reed Blankenship). Or at least to provide more depth at safety and/or nickel corner.

Reed seems to project as a late Day 2 or early Day 3 pick.

Scouting report via NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein:

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.

Spider graph via Mockdraftable (peep two former Eagles safeties in the comparisons):

Watch his highlights video: