GREEN BAY, Wis. – Penn State football defensive back Jaylen Reed (6th Round, 187th overall, Houston Texans) and linebacker Kobe King (6th round, 201st overall, Minnesota Vikings) were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft by on Saturday.
With defensive end Abdul Carter (3rd overall, New York Giants), tight end Tyler Warren (14th overall, Indianapolis Colts), safety Kevin Winston Jr. (82nd overall, Tennessee Titans), Reed and King, Penn State has had at least five selections in each of the last eight NFL Drafts. It marks the first time in program history that Penn State has five or more draft picks in eight-straight seasons.
Penn State joins Alabama and Georgia as the only FBS programs with five or more draft picks in the last eight seasons.
Reed’s selection marks the fourth-straight year Penn State has had multiple defensive backs selected and the sixth time under head coach James Franklin.
Since 2015, Penn State has had 16 defensive backs selected in the NFL Draft. That is the most in the Big Ten and ranks second among FBS teams, trailing only Alabama (18).
King is Penn State’s 72nd linebacker to be selected all-time and the fifth under Franklin. PSU’s 72 linebackers selected are the most of any school.
Penn State is one of three schools that has had a player selected among the first three rounds of the NFL Draft in 20-straight years, joining LSU and USC.
The Nittany Lions have a total of 50 players who have been drafted in the last eight NFL drafts, the most in an eight-year span for the program since 1987-94 (54 picks).
A total of 393 Nittany Lions have been selected all-time in the NFL Draft, which ranks seventh among Division I institutions. Penn State has had 59 players selected since James Franklin’s arrival to the program in 2014, including 25 taken on the first two days of the draft. In that span, Franklin has the most defensive backs selected (16) among active FBS head coaches.
Jaylen Reed
Reed is Penn State’s 43rd defensive back selected in the NFL Draft. He is the 16th defensive back selected in the James Franklin era, most among active FBS head coaches since 2015.
He is the third Nittany Lion to be selected by the Texans all-time and the first since OL Juice Scruggs (2nd Round) in 2023.
“I couldn’t be happier for Jaylen and his family,” said head coach James Franklin. “The Houston Texans gained a special athlete and true competitor. Jaylen is a playmaker, a guy who was committed to taking his game to the next level every time he stepped on the field. He is a disruptive defender, elite tackler and a guy who can create a lot of havoc and force turnovers. Jaylen consistently put himself in positions to make big plays. He made 181 career tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, forced seven takeaways, was a two-time All-Big Ten honoree and brings a ton of playing experience to the NFL, having played in 50 career games for us. I’m proud of Jaylen and am excited to see what he brings to the Texans organization. We Are!"
"The Houston Texans drafted a great one in Jaylen Reed,” said co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach Anthony Poindexter. “Jaylen plays the game with such high intensity and an incredibly high IQ. He is always finding himself at the right places to be on any play. It was really enjoyable to see him grow, both as a player and a leader over the last four seasons. He’s a tough kid who brings flexibility to an NFL defense with where he can be positioned in different situations. I’m proud of Jaylen and can’t wait to see where his pro career takes him."
Jaylen Reed · S · 6-0 · 212 · Detroit, Mich. · Martin Luther King
- Was an All-Big Ten second team selection in 2024.
- Reed played in 50 contests and started 29 games at PSU.
- He tallied 181 tackles (110 solo), 12.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, five interceptions (one touchdown) and seven pass breakups at PSU.
- Reed was a Midseason All-American selection by the Associated Press (2nd team) and the Reese's Senior Bowl.
- In 2024, he posted a team-high 98 tackles (51 solo) with 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, three interceptions (one touchdown) and three pass breakups.
- At WVU, Reed collected a solo tackle for loss, his first career fumble recovery and two pass breakups.
- He made a career-high 10 tackles (4 solo) against BGSU.
- He recorded a strip-sack in the third quarter against UCLA, notching his first career forced fumble.
- Reed picked off a pass in the fourth quarter on a potential game-winning drive by USC.
- At Wisconsin, Reed intercepted a pass and returned it 19 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter.
- He tallied six tackles and a half-tackle for loss vs. OSU.
- Reed picked off a pass in the second quarter against Washington and had a team-high seven tackles (5 solo).
- He tied a career high with 10 tackles at Minnesota.
- Reed had five tackles and a half-tackle for loss vs. SMU.
- He collected eight tackles, including a solo sack, vs. Boise State.
Kobe King
King is Penn State’s 72nd linebacker selected in the NFL Draft and the fifth linebacker selected in the James Franklin era.
He is the ninth Nittany Lion to be selected by the Vikings all-time and the first since LB Michael Mauti (7th round) in 2013.
“I am really proud of Kobe for achieving his dreams and earning this opportunity with the Minnesota Vikings,” said Franklin. “Kobe was the quarterback of our defense and really produced at a high level at the Mike linebacker position. He brings a wealth of experience, appearing in 48 games, making 200 career tackles and was a two-time All-Big Ten honoree. His leadership and role as a team captain was critical to our success this past season. Kobe and his brother, Kalen, meant so much to our program. I know Kobe will represent Penn State well at the next level with the Vikings. We Are!”
“The Minnesota Vikings will be a great fit for Kobe King,” said linebackers coach Dan Connor. “I’ve truly enjoyed the opportunity to coach Kobe and have a front row seat to his growth as both a player and a leader. He is one of the hardest working players I’ve been around. This past season, he took command in helping run our defense and was a major reason for our success. He has etched his name alongside the great linebackers who have represented LBU. I know he’s ready for this opportunity with the Vikings.”
Kobe King · LB · 6-1 · 248 · Detroit, Mich. · Martin Luther King
- Spent four seasons with the Nittany Lions, playing 46 games and making 27 starts.
- Posted 200 career tackles (113 solo) to go with 18.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble, two recoveries and four pass breakups.
- Selected All-Big Ten second team by the coaches and media in 2024.
- Voted a team captain.
- Made 97 tackles (53 solo) to go along with 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble and pass breakup.
- Finished 10th in the Big Ten in tackles (97).
- Was an All-Big Ten honorable mention honoree in 2023.
- Played in all 13 games at middle linebacker in 2023, making 11 starts.
- Finished with 59 tackles (39 solo), to go along with six tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, a fumble recovery and a quarterback hurry.
Penn State opens the 2025 campaign against Nevada on Saturday, August 30.
For information on joining the Nittany Lion Club and ticket information for the 2025 Penn State Football season presented by PSECU, as well as club seating in Beaver Stadium, fans can visit www.PSUnrivaled.com, or call 1-800-NITTANY weekdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.