Packers replace failed draft pick with underrated selection in 2023 NFL Draft
The Green Bay Packers tried to fix a previous mistake on Friday during the 2023 NFL Draft. With the No. 50 overall selection, the Packers drafted Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed. The former Spartans standout is a 5-foot-11 wideout who runs the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds. Reed doesn't have elite size, but he […]
The Green Bay Packers tried to fix a previous mistake on Friday during the 2023 NFL Draft.
With the No. 50 overall selection, the Packers drafted Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed.
The former Spartans standout is a 5-foot-11 wideout who runs the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds.
Reed doesn't have elite size, but he plays like he does. The talented wide receiver can make contested catches and he's dangerous with the ball in his hands. He's also great at catching 50/50 balls, which is surprising given his 5-foot-11 frame.
Additionally, Reed can return punts and kicks (he had three career punt return touchdowns). So essentially, the Packers are hoping Reed can be what they hoped former Green Bay wide receiver Amari Rodgers would be.
(Rodgers was selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, but he was released last season after numerous miscues.)
Here's the scouting report on Reed (via NFL.com): 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.
Reed finished his collegiate career with 203 receptions for 2,866 yards and 26 receiving touchdowns.
The Packers have some nice young talent at wide receiver with Reed, Christian Watson, and Romeo Doubs on the roster.
