Many people believe that the Green Bay Packers don’t have a legitimate WR1 on their roster. But on a roster with Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, tight ends Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft, and now Matthew Golden and Savion Williams, Jayden Reed has been out-shining them all.
The former Michigan State standout was drafted 50th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, and has quickly developed a strong rapport with Jordan Love since arriving in Green Bay. In his rookie season, Reed skyrocketed his way to the top of the depth chart by season’s end
The wideout finished with nearly 800 receiving yards and eight scores, flashing the same versatility and explosiveness he consistently displayed while playing at Spartan Stadium.
In his sophomore campaign, Reed built upon his successes by eclipsing 1,000 scrimmage yards as head coach Matt LaFleur continued to utilize Reed’s in a variety of creative formations and packages. Additionally, his 15.7 yards per catch ranked seventh in the NFL: ahead of names like Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Nico Collins, and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Whether it was from the slot, on jet sweeps, or even lining up in the backfield, Reed emerged as a true offensive chess piece, one of few modern-day gadget players with game-breaking potential. It is an asset that is extremely difficult to find in the current state of the league, but one that more teams are searching for.
However, his game’s biggest flaw was displayed: his hands. The Naperville, Ill., native amassed nine drops in 2024, tying him for third-most in the NFL. His unreliability is the main thing holding back from emerging as Love’s go-to target.
The beloved former Spartan has a lot to prove in year three.
With Golden and Williams in the picture, the receiver room in Green Bay just got a lot muddier. Golden was the first receiver Green Bay drafted in the first round since Javon Walker in 2002, and he arrives in Titletown with high expectations and a pro-ready skill set.
Golden, a star at Texas, has the most traits of a WR1 on paper, but LaFleur’s creative usage of Reed has led to the emergence of a Deebo Samuel-type for the Packers. Few players in the NFL are as dangerous when used in motion or on designed touches, and even fewer can seamlessly switch between roles like Reed, which makes a 1,000-yard season a very real possibility.
With only two seasons left on his rookie contract, 2025 marks a pivotal year for Reed’s development and long-term outlook in Green Bay. In a wide open receiver room, if he can cut down on the drops, there’s no telling how high his ceiling could become or how well he and Golden could complement one another.