The Baltimore Ravens found something special late last season when they shuffled their safety lineup.
Moving Kyle Hamilton, a two-time Pro Bowler, to a traditional safety position and elevating Ar’Darius Washington, an undrafted talent, into the starting rotation transformed their secondary into one of the league’s most formidable units.
Despite this success, the Ravens aren’t standing pat.
The front office has made finding another versatile safety a top priority this offseason to expand their defensive capabilities.
Penn State’s Jaylen Reed has emerged as a prospect of significant interest as draft preparations intensify.
“Penn State @PennStateFball safety Jaylen Reed (5-11 5/8, 211, 4.49 speed) visited #Ravens #NFLDraft2025.” Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 shared.
Penn State @PennStateFball safety Jaylen Reed (5-11 5/8, 211, 4.49 speed) visited #Ravens #NFLDraft2025
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 13, 2025
Reed’s rising draft stock makes perfect sense when examining his 2024 performance.
He led the Nittany Lions with 98 total tackles, including 51 solo stops and seven tackles for loss.
His ball-hawking skills were equally impressive, as he tied for the team lead with three interceptions, showcasing his playmaking ability.
Versatility stands as Reed’s calling card.
Whether dropping into coverage or attacking downhill against the run, his well-rounded skill set allows him to impact games in multiple ways.
The Ravens’ interest in Reed aligns perfectly with their defensive philosophy.
They’re searching for adaptable safeties who can execute various assignments within their scheme, and Reed fits that profile precisely.
His physical playing style and natural instincts complement Baltimore’s defensive approach.
Reed validated the pre-draft buzz at the NFL Scouting Combine, posting a 4.49 in the 40-yard dash – tying for seventh-fastest among safeties.
He also demonstrated impressive strength with 19 bench press repetitions, ranking among the top performers at his position.
