Green Bay Packers selects Jayden Reed in 2nd round of 2023 NFL Draft

Having a player that is solid in the return game is good. But having one that could also contribute on offense as well is even better. That is why with the 50th pick of the second round in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers have selected former Michigan State receiver and return specialist Jayden Reed.

After an impressive 2021 campaign with the Spartans, Reed decided to return to the team for his senior season. In hindsight, given how the year finished for both he and the Spartans, the Naperville, IL, native might have been better served entering the draft last season. Still, because of his decision, the Packers may be getting one of the biggest steals of the NFL draft in the second round.

In 2021 Reed had a remarkable year with 59 receptions, 1026 yards receiving, and 10 touchdowns. He also had an impressive average of 17.4 yards per catch. On the ground, he recorded seven carries for 34 yards and one touchdown. And as a returner that year, Reed had 28 total returns for 614 yards and two touchdowns. Last season that was a noticeable dropoff in Reed’s production. In 2022 he would have 55 catches for 363 yards and five touchdowns to go along with four rushing attempts and 11 yards. As a returner, he would only have 14 returns for just 134 yards on the season.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Reed

According to the draft analyst Lance Zierlein at NFL.com, Reed ranks as the No. 22 best wide receiver prospect in this year’s draft, with a grade of 5.98. NFL.com’s grade scale has Reed projected as an average backup or special-teamer. Zierlein believes he will be comparable to former Philidelphia Eagles wideout Greg Ward Jr. Here’s how Zierlein views Reed heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.

“Utility wideout with the ability to take snaps at multiple receiver positions while offering both kickoff and punt return talent. Reed looks smaller in many of his matchups, but he is rarely deterred by size. He’s too tight-hipped for stop-start routes on the tree, but he operates with good route speed and should improve his ability to separate with additional development and experience on the next level. His ball skills and feel for positioning on deep throws and jump balls are unquestioned. Limiting his focus drops on short and intermediate throws will be critical to becoming a long-term NFL contributor,” wrote Zierlein.

As far as Reed’s strengths go, Zierlein has them listed as follows: Highly competitive against bigger/stronger Ohio State corners in 2022; Accelerates to his top speed in a hurry; Keeps routes moving at an elevated tempo; Good ball skills to track and time the deep throw; Clever hands and positioning help carve out catch space; Makes winning plays on back-shoulder throws; Can be elusive when needed after the catch; Has three career punt return touchdowns. 

As for the things he needs to work on: High percentage of career catch tries were contested.; Quicker than fast with average deep separation; Hip tightness limits in-and-out quickness at route breaks; Doesn’t always finish his routes; Loses catch focus working into the middle of the field.