Image Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
J.R Reed is a smart and dynamic safety that could be the guy who fills some big shoes that were recently left vacant. Reed has the NFL in his blood. His father is former NFL receiver Jake Reed and the nephew of long-time pro defensive back Dale Carter. J.R. was injured in his final high school game and made college recruiters pull back on the offers. Reed agreed to Tulsa but didn’t enroll until the following January. He played in 14 games as a reserve before transferring to Georgia.
Reed earned the Bulldogs’ Top Newcomer Award by starting all 15 games with 79 tackles, five for loss, 1.5 sacks, two interceptions, five pass breakups. He started all 14 games as a junior and decided to stay in school instead of joining the NFL draft. Reed earned first-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-SEC honors in 2019. J.R. was also named a Jim Thorpe Award finalist. He tallied up 54 tackles, two for loss, one interception, seven pass breakups in 13 starts.
The question is “Could he be a mid-round replacement for Malcolm Jenkins?” He has the characteristics that would fit the mold. J.R. Reed is productive and savvy, with a remarkable football IQ. He was the leader of the Bulldogs defense. Reed’s toughness and smarts could push him beyond the normal measurables of his position. We know how Philly fans love tough and smart safety who wear the number #20. For more player profiles click here.
Strengths
- Covers big slots and tight ends
- Football smarts
- Plays with veteran’s instincts and anticipation
- Runs through targets
- Toughness level to get after plays
- Doesn’t rush as a tackler and looks to center his strike
Weaknesses
- Below average safety frame with narrow hips and short arms
- Clunky weaving and changing direction from backpedaling
- Below average sideline-to-sideline play speed in run support
Al is one of the two co-creators of Edge of Philly Sports. Al started radio and podcasting in 2012 and covering sports in 2015. A lifelong Philly sports fan since watching the Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, and Flyers with his grandfathers at age 7. Al always looks at the other side of the hot topics and gives his different outlook on those topics. Web and Graphic Design.
