Texans Select Jaylen Reed and Graham Mertz in 2025 NFL Draft

Houston, Texas – The Houston Texans made significant moves during the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Florida quarterback Graham Mertz in the sixth round with the 197th overall pick. Additionally, the Texans picked up Penn State safety Jaylen Reed earlier in the sixth round at the 187th position on April 26, 2025.

Reed, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 211 pounds, showcased his athleticism at the NFL scouting combine with a 40-yard dash time of 4.49 seconds. In his final season at Penn State, he led the team with 98 tackles and recorded three interceptions, solidifying himself as a valuable asset to Houston’s secondary.

“I really like Jaylen Reed from Penn State, who is 212 pounds and can run,” said NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah. “Timing and burst as a blitzer are part of his skill set.” Reed played a versatile role in his college career, starting in multiple defensive positions. He lined up at free safety for 47% of his 902 snaps last season, with strong safety and slot corner making up the rest.

During the 2024 season, Reed allowed only one touchdown reception when in coverage, indicating his potential for success in the NFL. He emphasizes discipline, stating, “If you’re not five minutes early, you’re late,” reflecting on lessons learned from Penn State head coach James Franklin.

While Reed’s tackling rate raises some concerns, his speed and experience could make him a key player on special teams, fulfilling a need for Houston following the departure of former player Kris Boyd. The Texans hope Reed can contribute significantly as they prepare for the upcoming season.