NFL Combine performance has Jayden Reed's stock rising ahead of Michigan State Pro Day
Michigan State senior Jayden Reed went to NFL Combine to prove he was capable of playing and producing at the next level. But in the process he proved a few more things that NFL scouts may have
overlooked or weren’t aware of: his toughness and versatility.
Reed, battling an eye infection, chose to still participate at the Combine as one of just two Michigan State invitees after a strong college career that included three pivotal years in a Spartan uniform where he was an effective playmaker at wide receiver and impactful as a punt returner.
Despite not being originally invited the NFL Combine – which was held Feb. 26th through March 6th in Indianapolis – Reed earned an invite after a strong showing at the Senior Bowl where he turned heads with his performance among some of the elite upperclassmen in the country.
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At the Combine, Reed clocked an impressive 4.45-second 40-yard dash, which ranked 16th out of 43 participants. He also recorded a 20-yard shuttle of 4.29 seconds, a vertical jump of 33.5 inches and a broad jump of 10-feet-1-inch.
In the on-field gauntlet drill, Reed did not drop a single ball and depending on which draft analyst you talk to, Reed finished the Combine ranked among the Top 10-12 wideouts with a chance to go late in the second, early in the third round or early on Day Three, which finishes with rounds four through seven.
In terms of his physical makeup, Reed measured in at 5-foot-11 and 187 pounds, with 30.5-inch arms and 9-1/8-inch hands at the Combine.
His Combine performance reportedly earned him meetings with reps from the Detroit Lions, Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars, according to Justin Melo of the Draft Network.
Reed, who began his career at Western Michigan in 2018, finished his collegiate journey with 147 receptions for 2,069 yards and 18 touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, two punt return scores and threw for a touchdown while starting all 31 games he appeared in over three seasons with the Spartans. Reed finished sixth in program history in receptions, tied for seventh in touchdown catches and 12th in receiving yards.
Despite those numbers, Reed still had things to prove in front of NFL scouts and player personnel representatives.
In the Senior Bowl, Reed started out with a splash on the opening National team by catching a 4-yard touchdown catch, but that score was nullified when a teammate was flagged for offensive pass interference penalty that took the score away.
Reed did finish the all-star game with one catch for 25 yards, while earning the National team’s practice player wide receiver of the week, an honor bestowed upon by his teammates. He also served as his team’s punt returner but did not see any action in that area.
Reed gained attention at Senior Bowl practice by clocking the top running speed at 20.05 miles per hour.
Pride of Detroit managing editor Eric Schlitt, who identified Reed as a “multi-purpose weapon” to watch at the Combine offered his assessment of Reed’s skill set on his Twitter page.
“He firmly looks like a Day 2 receiving option. Speed and separation are at the forefront of his game, and he can be used in a variety of roles as a playmaker, both on offense and special teams. The ability to consistently separate will make him a coveted player, regardless of offensive scheme.’’
Reed’s separation in workouts also prompted NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler to label Reed with “see-yah speed.’’
That speed was not a surprise to his MSU coaches and Spartan fans, especially after a 2021 season where Reed put up some impressive numbers that included 59 receptions for 1,026 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also added two punt returns for scores during an 11-win season.
With Michigan State Pro Day scheduled next week (March 15), Reed will get one more chance to enhance his rising draft stock before the NFL Draft which takes place from April 27-29.
For some, his stock has already been determined.
All 22 Films a Twitter account which offered this breakdown of Reed’s skills after reviewing film on the wide receiver: “Michigan State’s Jayden Reed is smooth, efficient, and versatile. A very competitive WR who makes people miss post-catch. Reed can play anywhere. I can’t wait to see where he gets picked in the Draft. IMO, his skills are being underrated.’’
If Reed is selected in the NFL Draft, it will mark the second straight year a Michigan State wide receiver has been selected. Jalen Nailor was selected in the sixth-round of last year’s draft by the Minnesota Vikings. Nailor, who played in 15 games as a rookie, came on strong toward at the end of his rookie season, catching seven passes for 151 yards and a touchdown during the last two games of the season.
Assuming Reed is drafted, Michigan State would likely see another receiver drafted in 2024 if Keon Coleman were to declare following his junior season. Given his size and athleticism, Coleman is regarded by some draft analysts as a potential first-round pick.
