HOUSTON – Backpedaling and matching receivers step for step, Texans cornerback Jaylin Smith displayed the athleticism that prompted the team to draft him in the third round last year.
Smith showed that he’s made a full recovery from a torn meniscus in his knee that required surgery as he was placed on injured reserve after four games during his rookie season.
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The Texans plan to have Smith as their third corner behind Pro Bowl selections Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter. Smith, playing under a four-year, $6.16 million contract, had six tackles and one fumble recovery last year before his season was cut short.
Smith started 21 games at USC at nickel, 10 games at outside corner and once at safety. Smith was a third-team All-Big Ten Conference selection, recording 49 tackles, four for losses and two interceptions.
“I feel like Jaylin has taken a really nice jump in his second year,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. He’s put in the work. Although he was down with injury, he’s come back stronger, looks faster. He’s making a lot of plays out here on the practice field. So, I’m excited and encouraged by his development of what he’s been able to do."
Texans safety Jaylen Reed, another second-year player, is also poised for a solid role.
Reed, a hard-hitting former sixth-round pick from Penn State where he was a second-team All-Big Ten selection, played in seven games with one start last season. Reed was named a starter after recording 11 tackles and a fumble recovery against the Buffalo Bills. He got hurt in a road game against the Indianapolis Colts, aggravating a forearm injury as a metal place got displaced while tackling Jonathan Taylor.
Now, Reed is competing for playing time behind starting safeties Calen Bullock and Reed Blankenship and is slated for a solid special-teams role. He’s the new personal protector on punts.
Like Smith, Ryans is confident in Reed and his ongoing development.
“Jaylen Reed, you can put him in the same category,” Ryans said. “Young player, second year, he was able to play more snaps for us towards the end of the year until he had an injury.
“But man, he’s been lights out when it comes to his communication, starting with the punt team communication for us, put a lot on their plate. He’s handled it really well, done a great job in the meetings and also making it translate to the field. So, I just love to see the growth. That’s what is expected. I’m excited about that as a coach to see what they’re going to do this season.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com