The Jacksonville Jaguars have waived former Georgia Bulldogs safety J.R. Reed.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have waived former Georgia Bulldogs safety J.R. Reed. Reed was quite a productive player for the University of Georgia, but went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. Now, he’ll look to stick with the Jaguars practice squad or sign elsewhere.
J.R.’s father, Jake, played in the NFL. It is a tough year for unproven players to make a roster. With the lack of preseason games, shortened training camp, and unusual protocols, it is even more challenging than most seasons to make the roster as an undrafted player.
J.R. was a playmaker in Athens, but there were concerns about his athletic profile heading into the NFL Draft. Reed has impressive instincts and deserves another opportunity. We’ll update you on what is next for Reed.
Here’s the full list of Jacksonville’s roster moves today, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
ATHENS, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 21: J.R. Reed of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates a 23-17 win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Reed was a playmaking defensive back for the Dawgs last season. He elected to return for his senior season and did not disappoint.
Reed was a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Award, awarded to the top defensive player in the country, during his 2019 campaign. Reed defended seven passes last season and intercepted a pass against Notre Dame. He forced seven turnovers over his career in Athens.
Reed will be playing at the next level in the NFL despite going undrafteed. He’ll be a priority free agent for NFL teams.
He has excellent anticipation and helped Georgia make three straight SEC Championships. During his senior season the Georgia Bulldogs had the best scoring defense in the NCAA.
Before the NFL Draft, Reed has been compared to a Dallas Cowboys safety. Reed is NFL-ready and is fully capable of starting. He’s a little older than most prospects, but his experience and solid fundamentals should help him adapt to the speed of the game in the NFL. Reed will be extremely motivated to prove his doubters wrong.
Sep 21, 2019; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back J.R. Reed reacts with head coach Kirby Smart reacts after intercepting a pass against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Georgia Bulldog great J.R. Reed has received his NFL.com player comparison ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft
Georgia Bulldog great J.R. Reed has received his NFL.com player comparison ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft. Reed returned to Athens for his senior season and had a massive season for the Dawgs. Reed recorded 54 tackles, secured a key interception versus Notre Dame, and broke up seven passes in 2019.
Reed had a good NFL Combine and will hope to be drafted into an excellent situation in the NFL. He has the talent to play right out of the gate, but could end up as a back up if a team has good starting safeties.
With Reed’s play recognition and sound coverage, don’t discount the odds of him starting as a rookie. Reed overcame the odds to make it to the University of Georgia after gray-shirting and then playing sparingly as a back-up at Tulsa. Reed transferred to Kirby Smart and UGA following one season at Tulsa.
The rest is history. Reed helped lead Georgia to three straight SEC title game appearances and a National Championship Game appearance. Reed was a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Award during his 2019 campaign.
Now, Reed is being compared to Dallas Cowboys safety Xavier Woods:
Nov 4, 2019; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Xavier Woods (25) runs with the ball after an interception against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Woods, who went to school at Louisiana Tech, was drafted in the sixth round by the Dallas Cowboys. Woods, like Reed, relies more on his mental attributes than his physical traits. While both players aren’t bad athletes, neither is ‘elite’.
Woods is entering his fourth season in the NFL. He’s intercepted five passes for the Cowboys and started at safety this past season. Not a bad comparison for Reed. Over three seasons Woods has forced eight turnovers in the NFL. J.R. Reed forced seven in three seasons in Athens.
