The Seahawks added to their secondary with their sixth-round pick, selecting New Mexico safety Jerrick Reed II.
At 5-foot-9, 196 pounds, Reed is considered undersized for his position, but enjoyed a highly productive college career, and said he's coming to the NFL looking to prove people wrong who doubt him because of his size.
"I'm putting on for the short guys, showing them that we're players too, and we can compete with any size guys," he said.
As a senior, Reed started 12 games, recording 94 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one interception and 12 passes defensed. In 2021, he had 89 tackles, eight passes defensed and an interception.
With Seattle, Reed will compete at safety and nickel corner, and will also be expected to take on a big role on special teams, something he did even as a starter at New Mexico.
"They said the safety, nickel position, and also everywhere on special teams," he said. "… I have a lot of experience on special teams."
Reed is from Olive Branch, Mississippi, which is also the hometown of Seahawks Legend K.J. Wright, and Reed said their families are close.
"Me and K.J., his family are close friends. He does camp every year in Olive Branch, he has an alumni game in June that I plan on coming back to if I don't have practice or anything like that. But yeah, we have close connections."
Take a look at photos of safety Jerrick Reed II during his three years at the University of New Mexico. Reed was selected by the Seahawks with the 198th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
New Mexico safety Jerrick Reed II (9) against San Jose State during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020 in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Colorado State running back A'Jon Vivens, right, is stopped before reaching the end zone by New Mexico safety Jerrick Reed II (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Albuquerque, N.M. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) caries against New Mexico safety Jerrick Reed II (9), linebacker Syaire Riley (36) and defensive end Justin Harris (97) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
New Mexico safety Jerrick Reed II (9) runs with the ball after making an interception against Nevada during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Boise State running back George Holani (24) is hit by New Mexico safety Jerrick Reed II (9), left, and New Mexico defensive end Joey Noble (98) on a run during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 37-0. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Jerrick Reed II during a New Mexico Lobos at Liberty Flames NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019 in Lynchburg, Va. (AP Photo/Amber Searls)
