Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Jayden Reed has been garnering a lot of attention in the early going of training camp. The second-round pick out of Michigan State has a chance to secure a prominent role in the offense in 2023 as the pecking order is wide open.
Christian Watson looks to be the No. 1 option and fellow 2022 draft pick Romeo Doubs is expected to be the No. 2. But, if Reed continues performing at the level he has shown in practice, it will be hard to keep him off the field.
Right now the former Spartan looks poised to take over as the team’s slot receiver. That was a role that Randall Cobb had filled before leaving for the New York Jets in free agency. While Reed has a ways to go before achieving what Cobb was able to, one of his Packers teammates does see some similarities.
Running back AJ Dillon spoke to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic following Day 2 of training camp on Thursday. He spoke very highly of his new teammate, making sure to disrespect Cobb while heaping praise on Reed.
“Definitely not gonna disrespect Cobby by saying somebody who just got here is at that level, but there are definitely a lot of things that are reminiscent of the style.”
Cobb had some truly dominant performances from the slot during his career with the Packers. He spent 10 seasons with the franchise as a safety blanket and go-to weapon for Aaron Rodgers. If things pan out the way the team is hoping, Reed will become that for Jordan Love.
So far so good in that regard, as Reed has been a standout thus far in camp. His speed and athleticism have been on full display, making multiple big plays during practice. He caught one touchdown from Love and had a long gain on an end-around in which he faked out the defense.
Reed is certainly someone to keep an eye on in the coming weeks. If he continues making a positive impression, his role in the Packers’ offense could expand before Week 1.
