The Houston Texans have been busy filling their needs during the 2025 NFL Draft. The Texans started the process by adding depth at receiver with Iowa State receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. They added a pair of potential starters in offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery and USC running back Woody Marks. They even had time to add to the defense with USC cornerback Jaylin Smith.
But while most needs are obvious, the Texans needed to fill key roles on special teams. Kris Boyd was one of the worst special-teams players in the league last year, but Houston needed to find a way to fill his role after his departure to the New York Jets.
With that in mind, the Texans found a potential replacement and he comes with some upside in the sixth round of the draft.
Texans Select Penn State S Jaylen Reed in Sixth Round of NFL Draft
The Texans added Penn State safety Jaylen Reed with the 187th overall pick in the draft on Saturday afternoon. The 6-foot, 211-pound defensive back played both safety positions for the Nittany Lions and led the team with 98 tackles and three interceptions during his final season in Happy Valley.
Reed also has an edge to his game, which utilizes his 4.49-second time in the 40-yard dash but he’s also prone to mistakes, which makes him a developmental prospect as a safety.
Those flaws may prevent Reed from seizing a starting role, especially with Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and Calen Bullock locked in at safety. But Reed can develop while becoming a special-teams contributor. His 14.6% missed tackle rate will need to come down, but his speed could help him become a gunner with the competitiveness needed to finish plays.
Adding Reed won’t draw the same attention as a new offensive lineman or another weapon to pair with Nico Collins. But it could be an important move to help the Texans get over the hump next season.