With the fifth pick (No. 142 overall) in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected Kansas State cornerback D.J. Reed.
Reed was a transfer from Cerritos Community College in Southern California and a former walk-on at Fresno State. His 19 passes defensed in 2016 were the fourth most in the FBS and helped earn him Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year honors. Reed contributed on kickoff returns during his sophomore season. He averaged 28.3 yards on nine returns.
In 2017, Reed hauled in four interceptions but missed the final two regular-season games of the season after sustaining an MCL sprain. He was able to play in the Cactus Bowl against UCLA.
Reed did not allow a reception longer than 30 yards in 2017 and surrendered a passer rating of 55.5 when targeted by quarterbacks, according to Pro Football Focus.
"I'm a lockdown corner, first and foremost," Reed told reporters via a conference call after being drafted by the 49ers. "I don't get scored on."
At the NFL Scouting Combine, the 5-foot-9 and 188-pound Reed had a 40-time of 4.51 seconds, a vertical jump of 36.5 inches, and had 11 reps in the bench press. Other measurables for Reed include an arm length of 31 5/8 inches and hands that measure 10 inches.
"I'm 5-9, but I play corner like I'm 6-3," Reed said.
NFL.com projected Reed to be a fourth- or fifth-round draft pick.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, who compares Reed to Jamal Agnew, wrote the following about Reed within his scouting report:
"Future slot corner who has the athleticism to handle mirror and match coverage and the toughness to step up and take on tackle responsibilities. Reed lacks size, but not heart. He's passionate and confident and outplays his height on a consistent basis. Reed's talent as a return specialist could gain him instant opportunities and his work won't hurt his cause. Reed has the mental and physical makeup to become a solid pro as both a return man and a sub-package cornerback."
Tony Pauline of Draft Analyst wrote the following the following about Reed within his scouting report:
"Reed is fast and explosive, but his lack of length is a major red flag. He has possibilities as a dime back who can play over the slot receiver and should also lend a helping hand as a return specialist."
Measurables
Height: 5-9
Weight: 188 lbs.
Arm length: 31 5/8 inches
Hand length: 10 inches
NFL Scouting Combine
40-time: 4.51 seconds
Vertical: 36.5 inches
Bench press: 11 reps
College Statistics
| Year | G | Tkl | PD | Int | Yds |
| 2014 | RS | - | - | - | - |
| 2015 | JUCO | - | - | - | - |
| 2016 | 13 | 78 | 16 | 3 | 35 |
| 2017 | 11 | 47 | 9 | 4 | 32 |
| Totals | 24 | 125 | 25 | 7 | 67 |
