Michigan State Football: Ranking position groups after 2022 spring ball

3. Receivers/Tight Ends

Now we’re moving on to the loaded position groups. Sure, the defensive line, running backs, offensive line, and defensive backfield could all be really deep this season, but the receivers and tight ends are both deep and incredibly talented.

Michigan State brings back Jayden Reed who might be a first-team All-Big Ten receiver this season and there’s going to be quite the battle for conference receiver of the year between him and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Those two are going to be the best wideouts in the league and I wouldn’t be shocked if he recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons to end his MSU career. Actually, I’d be shocked if he didn’t.

Reed obviously leads the way and even though Jalen Nailor is gone, Tre Mosley is back to be the quality WR2 that Payton Thorne needs. He’s extremely underrated.

Mosley and Reed are going to be a heck of a combo, but you can’t sleep on Keon Coleman who might just be the breakout star in the receiving corps and Germie Bernard will be a freshman standout. My hopes are also high for Christian Fitzpatrick and Antonio Gates Jr. might just have an early impact.

Don’t sleep on Montorie Foster, Cade McDonald, and Terry Lockett because all three will be solid contributors. This group has depth and talent.

At tight end, Maliq Carr returns as a potential breakout candidate if he can realize his potential but the Spartans also have Tyler Hunt as a veteran presence and Daniel Barker comes over from Illinois as a proven target and blocker. I’m also very high on Jack Nickel who could be the best blocker at tight end on the team as a freshman and he’s also a solid athlete.