**STATE COLLEGE –** With April fast approaching, [Penn State](https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/) safety Jaylen Reed knows he is nearing the end of a long grind to make it to the NFL draft.
The training, the travel and the constant communication with NFL teams has taken a toll on Reed, who led the Nittany Lions in tackles last season with 98.
Reed also chipped in 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three interceptions and three pass breakups. He factored in several big plays for [James Franklin’s](https://www.pennlive.com/topic/james-franklin/) 13-3 Lions.
But as time has passed, there was a silver lining for Reed. There have been times when the defensive back felt he was overlooked, but those times are now few.
That chip on his shoulder is not as big.
“Not as much, not talking to these (NFL) teams,” Reed said following his Penn State Pro Day workout on Friday inside Holuba Hall, when asked if he thought he was being overlooked.
“But I always got that chip on my shoulder, that’s one thing that I always carry. (But) me talking to teams definitely relieved some stress of my shoulders, though.”
Penn State football Pro Day, 2025
With the draft nearing, Reed should be a player who is coveted by NFL teams. It’s his production and his versatility. He won’t be a first-round pick but should not have to wait too long to hear his named called.
“That is one thing I feel that has separated me,” Reed said.
“Teams want me to play all three (safety spots). … A lot of safeties, they play strong or they play free or they play nickel. One thing I got going, I play all three.
“It’s a lot of pressure as a rookie, learning three positions but that’s something I’ve been doing my whole life.”
And it didn’t hurt Reed ran a 4.49 at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis a few weeks back.
“I definitely helped myself,” Reed said.
“Talking to a lot of people on teams, they probably didn’t think I was to run (4.4). But I knew that was something I was capable of doing. … It helped check a lot of boxes with teams that were worried about speed.”
The hard work is over. The draft is roughly a month away.
Reed is ready. He’s also weary.
“It was good, it was all fun and games at first but it’s tiring now,” Reed said when asked about the training process to get ready for workouts with NFL teams.
“I’m really tired, I’m ready to get to the draft and get to a team.”