Jayden Reed was taken by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. After a failed experiment with Amari Rodgers, the team was looking for a receiver to play in the slot. Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs were primarily outside receivers, and the team needed to replace Randall Cobb. After having mixed results at the NFL Combine, he fell to the second round. Through the first two weeks, he has become a weapon of choice for Jordan Love and the Packers offense.
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Former Michigan State WR Jayden Reed (1) – Adam Ruff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Green Bay Packers Jayden Reed Profile
Coming out of Michigan State, the knock was his size. At 5′ 11″ and 190 pounds, he is on the lighter side for an NFL player. However, that was the only thing that was a question mark. He showed great speed as a Spartan, a trait the Packers are trying to stockpile. He showed versatility as he was also a punt returner in college.
His greatest strength was the contested catch. He had the 3rd best contested catch win percentage in this wide receiver class. While he could create separation, he could also haul in tough contested balls. This is not a skill that someone of Reed’s size usually has. Through the first two weeks, Reed has been able to show off his skills.
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Packers WR Jayden Reed (11) – Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
The First Two Weeks
For Aaron Rodgers, the slot receiver was his favorite on big downs. Part of this was his friendship with Cobb, but the offense was also designed well for this position. Reed has thrived in it during the first two weeks. Currently, he leads the team in targets on third down, first down receptions, and touchdowns. Not bad for a rookie receiver.
The impressive numbers don’t stop there. In the Week 2 loss at the Falcons, he was targeted on 33% of his routes, which made him the most targeted receiver on the Packers. Matt LaFleur has been using him in the run game as well where he can show off his speed. It isn’t easy for a rookie receiver to come in and be this productive this fast, and Reed is making it look easy.
Packers WR Jayden Reed (11) – Jeff Hanisch/USA TODAY Sports
Will He Continue To Be This Productive?
The caveat on the Week 2 numbers is that the Green Bay Packers were missing their top two offensive options. Christian Watson is still dealing with a hamstring injury, but indications are that he will be back soon. Aaron Jones also had a hamstring issue that kept him out of the game. Reed will clearly see decreased targets once those two comeback, but the rapport that he is building with Love cannot be understated.
I would not be surprised if Reed continues to be a favorite target on third down. His opportunities also could stay the same as teams have to respect Watson and Jones, leaving Reed in one-on-one opportunities. Regardless, the team has to be happy with how seamless the transition has been for the rookie receiver.
The Green Bay Packers are a team to watch in the next three years. The amount of young talent that they have on this team is crazy. Jayden Reed isn’t the only receiver who made noise on Sunday, with Dontayvion Wicks having a very nice game himself. Luke Musgrave continues to show flashes, and the young defensive players are looking solid as well. If all of these players can spend the next couple of years gelling together, this could be a scary team down the road.
