DJ Reed has quietly become one of the most reliable and underrated cornerbacks in the NFL. Since joining the New York Jets in 2022, Reed has formed one of the league’s best cornerback duos alongside Sauce Gardner. While Gardner has received most of the national spotlight as a former Defensive Rookie of the Year, Reed’s consistency, versatility, and ability to lock down opposing receivers have made him just as valuable to the Jets’ defense.
After a standout 2023 season, Reed is now widely regarded as one of the top corners in the league. His ability to cover top receivers, play physical at the line of scrimmage, and provide leadership in the secondary has made him a key part of the Jets’ defensive identity. As the Jets look to make a playoff push in 2025, Reed’s continued excellence will be crucial to their success.
DJ Reed’s Unlikely Path to the NFL
DJ Reed’s journey to NFL success has been anything but easy. Coming out of high school in Bakersfield, California, Reed was lightly recruited and began his college career at Fresno State as a walk-on. After limited playing time, he transferred to Cerritos College, a junior college, where he quickly made a name for himself with his ball-hawking skills and speed.
Reed’s breakout year at Cerritos earned him a scholarship to Kansas State, where he became one of the top defensive backs in the Big 12. In two seasons at Kansas State, Reed recorded 7 interceptions, 25 passes defended, and 122 tackles, establishing himself as a playmaker and shutdown corner.
Despite his college success, Reed’s size — listed at 5’9″ and 188 pounds — led many NFL scouts to question whether he could succeed as a starting cornerback at the professional level. As a result, he fell to the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the San Francisco 49ers.
Reed primarily played as a backup and special teams contributor for the 49ers during his first two seasons. A torn pectoral muscle in 2020 led the 49ers to waive him, believing he wouldn’t recover in time to contribute that season. That decision turned out to be a costly mistake — and a massive win for the Seattle Seahawks.
Breakout with the Seahawks
The Seahawks claimed Reed off waivers in August 2020, giving him a fresh start in a new system. Reed made an immediate impact, recording 2 interceptions and 7 passes defended in just 10 games during the 2020 season. His ability to play both outside and in the slot gave the Seahawks flexibility in their defensive schemes.
In 2021, Reed established himself as a full-time starter for Seattle, finishing the season with 78 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 10 passes defended. He was one of the few bright spots on a struggling Seahawks defense, consistently holding his own against some of the best receivers in the league.
Reed’s performance caught the attention of several teams when he hit free agency after the 2021 season. The New York Jets, looking to bolster their secondary, signed Reed to a three-year, $33 million contract in March 2022 — a move that would pay off almost immediately.
Becoming a Star with the Jets
Reed’s arrival in New York marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career. Under head coach Robert Saleh — who had previously coached Reed in San Francisco — Reed was given the opportunity to play alongside rookie cornerback Sauce Gardner. The combination of Reed’s experience and Gardner’s raw talent quickly turned the Jets’ secondary into one of the best in the league.
In his first season with the Jets (2022), Reed started all 17 games, recording 80 tackles, 1 interception, and 12 passes defended. More importantly, he consistently shut down opposing receivers, allowing a completion rate of just 56.6% when targeted — one of the best marks in the league.
Reed’s ability to play physically at the line of scrimmage and mirror receivers downfield made him the perfect complement to Gardner, who took on more of a shutdown role against No. 1 receivers. Together, they formed a lockdown duo that helped the Jets finish the 2022 season ranked third in passing defense.
In 2023, Reed’s performance reached another level. He posted career highs in pass breakups (14) and held opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating of just 63.4 when targeted. Despite missing two games due to a concussion, Reed was named a Pro Bowl alternate — further evidence that he was becoming one of the most respected cornerbacks in the league.
What Makes Reed Elite?
Reed’s success as an undersized cornerback stems from a combination of physical traits, technique, and football intelligence. Here’s what makes him one of the best in the game:
✅ Elite Footwork and Quickness
Reed’s quick feet and smooth transitions allow him to stay glued to receivers, even on double moves. His ability to mirror routes and close gaps gives him an advantage in man-to-man coverage.
✅ Physicality at the Line of Scrimmage
Despite his smaller frame, Reed plays with surprising strength. He’s aggressive in press coverage, using his hands and leverage to disrupt routes early.
✅ Ball Skills and Instincts
Reed has a natural feel for the game. He anticipates routes well and has excellent timing when playing the ball in the air, leading to consistent pass breakups.
✅ Tackling and Run Support
Reed isn’t just a cover corner — he’s also one of the best tackling defensive backs in the league. He’s quick to diagnose running plays and isn’t afraid to take on bigger ball carriers.
Impact on the Jets’ Defense
Reed’s presence has transformed the Jets’ secondary into one of the most formidable units in the NFL. The Jets allowed just 189.6 passing yards per game in 2023 — the second-best mark in the league.
Gardner’s rise to stardom has been well-documented, but Reed’s ability to lock down the other side of the field has forced quarterbacks into difficult situations. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has praised Reed’s consistency and versatility.
“DJ is the guy who makes it all work,” Ulbrich said. “Sauce gets the attention, but DJ allows us to play aggressive coverage on both sides of the field. That’s rare in today’s game.”
What’s Next for Reed and the Jets
Reed is entering the final year of his contract in 2025, which means the Jets will have a decision to make. Extending Reed would secure their cornerback duo for the foreseeable future, but Reed’s performance could also drive up his market value, making him one of the highest-paid corners in the league.
For now, Reed remains focused on helping the Jets reach the playoffs — a goal that has eluded the franchise since 2010.
“We have all the pieces,” Reed said in a recent interview. “It’s about putting it all together and staying healthy. I know what I bring to this defense, and I’m ready to take that next step.”
With an improving pass rush, a solid linebacking corps, and one of the best secondaries in the league, the Jets’ defense is poised to be a top-five unit in 2025. Reed’s ability to shut down opposing receivers will be a key factor in their success.
Conclusion
DJ Reed’s rise from a fifth-round draft pick to one of the league’s top cornerbacks is a testament to his work ethic, skill, and determination. He’s defied the odds at every step of his career, proving that size isn’t everything when it comes to playing cornerback at a high level.
As the Jets look to end their playoff drought and compete for a championship, Reed’s ability to lock down receivers and lead the secondary will be critical. If he continues to perform at an elite level, the Jets will have one of the most dangerous defenses in the NFL — and DJ Reed will finally get the recognition he deserves.
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