J.R. Reed 2020 NFL Draft Profile
Georgia safety J.R. Reed shares a common trait with a long list of NFL players in which they come from a family with NFL bloodlines. His father Jake Reed was an NFL wide receiver for 12 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints. His uncle Dale Carter was a 13 year NFL cornerback. Reed was a two-way starter at Prestwood Christian high in Frisco, Texas. He guided his team to a 12-2 record and a state title game appearance. He caught 18 receptions for 308 yards and three TDs, tallied 53 tackles, and five interceptions, returning three for touchdowns . In his senior season, he earned first-team all-district and second-team all-state accolades. Reed committed to Tulsa upon completion of high school.
College
As a freshman, Reed played sparingly in 14 games. Ultimately, he made the decision to transfer to Georgia. A big change going from the AAC to the SEC. Reed would sit out the 2016 as per the NCAA transfer rules. In 2017, his first year of real action, Reed was named Associated Press All-SEC 2nd Team and started started in all 15 games ranking 2nd on team with 79 total tackles and two interceptions. Reed was the recipient of the Bulldogs’ Top Newcomer Award.
Reed had a fumble returned for a touchdown against Florida. He also recorded a career high 11 tackles against Auburn. The Bulldogs went on to win the SEC Championship and the Rose Bowl but fell to Alabama in the national championship game. In 2018, Reed started in all 14 games, logging 66 tackles and decided to stay in school instead of heading to the NFL. Reed would also record eight tackles in Georgia’s Sugar Bowl loss to Texas.
In his final season, Reed was named Walter Camp All-America First Team and Coaches’ All-SEC 1st Team. He was also named a captain. Reed was also a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury late in his senior year, causing him to miss the Sugar Bowl victory over Baylor last season. In his Bulldog career, Reed played in 42 games, recorded 199 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 3 QB sacks.
Strengths
- NFL Bloodlines;
- Covers both wide receivers and tight ends;
- Plays like a seasoned veteran;
- Very productive;
- Can run from sideline to sideline;
- High Acceleration off the ball.
Weaknesses
- Lacks explosiveness;
- Struggles in recovery;
- Below average frame;
- Glaring lack of strength;
- Sporadic play in big games;
- Gives up too much ground at times.
Bottom Line on J.R. Reed
J.R. Reed is considered a very productive prospect with average traits and explosiveness. His NFL bloodlines will provide him with an advantage on how to adapt to the league. However, he has an elevated football IQ that will be intriguing to NFL Teams. A scout said about Reed: “He does more with less because he’s a smart player and he’s well-coached”. He has a brand of football that shows up whenever he tackles. His toughness will appeal to coaches who continue to instill old school philosophies into their players, aka New England, Philadelphia, and Minnesota. His instinctive brand of football could cause him to struggle if the offensive scheme is able to isolate him against a vertical target.
He needs to prove he can hit the baseline speed and athleticism numbers as a split-safety who can drop into the box or cover tight ends despite his slender frame. His instinctive brand of football could cause him to struggle if the offensive scheme forces him to be isolated against a receiver who specializes in vertical routes. His size and length often come into question. A team that chooses him will receive a player that can be used as a box safety.
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