While analysts said Jarrett lacks typical size and speed for an NFL safety, Reid compared him in stature, speed, and hitting ability to former Eagles great Brian Dawkins.
"Different personalities, different guys, but I don't think you want to run over the middle on either one of them," Reid said. "They'll blow you up."
Jarrett was listed at 6-foot, 196 pounds, and his best 40-yard dash time was 4.54 seconds, contributing to his mid-round grade in most analysts' eyes.
Jarrett was the second Temple player to go in the first two rounds. Former Owls defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson was taken 30th overall Thursday night by the New York Jets.
Reid said former Temple coach Al Golden told him that Jarrett, a team captain and starter from early in his freshman year, is one of two players who helped turn around the school's football program.
The Eagles "see something in me that other teams didn't see," Jarrett said. He thinks some teams downgraded him because of his 40 time, but not the Eagles.
"A lot of teams like kids that are just natural football players, and that's what Coach Reid saw in me," said Jarrett, 21. He led Temple in combined tackles last season and had two interceptions.
Reid said he was worthy of a second-round pick. "Who knows if he would have fallen any further?"
Jarrett will join a safety group that includes Nate Allen and Kurt Coleman, entering their second seasons. Jarrett's selection may signal the departure of veteran Quintin Mikell, whose contract is up and whose future in Philadelphia already was cloudy.
"I'm Happy For Jarrett I Love The Temple Players! Do Your Thing!" Mikell wrote on Twitter.
Reid was noncommittal when asked about Mikell's future, but said, "younger and deeper is what you're looking at."
