Georgia safety JR Reed did not get picked in the 2020 NFL Draft, but he did sign an undrafted free agent deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the moments following the draft.
The fact that Reed went undrafted was a huge head scratcher. He started every game at safety for Georgia from 2017-2019, being named to the Associated Press All-SEC 2nd Team (2017) and Walter Camp All-America First Team (2019).
He has some of the best instincts I’ve seen from a collegiate defensive back, does not miss tackles and has a nose for the football.
Apparently, the reason Reed went undrafted is because of a torn ACL he suffered while at Prestonwood Christian High School in Plano, Texas.
His father, Jake Reed (former Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints WR), told Vikings beat writer Chris Tomasson that Reed was medically flagged as a result of that injury.
Tomasson writes for the St. Paul Pioneer Press, a newspaper based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, primarily serving the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
Ex-#Vikings star WR Jake Reed said his son Georgia S JR Reed wasn't drafted because was medically "flagged" due to torn ACL in high school that has been no issue for years. Called it "crazy" Will sign with Jaguars. Jake said Vikings didn't offer but Pittsburgh & Arizona also did.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) April 25, 2020
Reed transferred to Georgia following his freshman season at Tulsa. After sitting out the 2016 season, he became a staple on the Bulldogs’ 2017 Rose Bowl championship team.
In 2019, Reed was named one of four permanent team captains.
Reed made a number of big plays during his career as a Bulldog, with big interceptions against Alabama, Florida and two career touchdowns as well.
Reed is also the nephew of Dale Carter, a four-time pro bowler and two-time All-Pro.