Although the Green Bay Packers were not active in the free agency market for wide receivers, they did add a couple in the draft, including Matthew Golden as the 23rd pick in the first round. In the third round, with pick 87, they also selected Savion Williams from TCU. With Christian Watson likely out to begin the season, and the receiver room devoid of a true number one target, the Packers needed to bolster the troops somehow. The decision to address the position in the draft, however, sparked some internal concern from Jayden Reed about his place on the roster. This development came as a surprise to head coach Matt LaFleur.
Green Bay Packers’ Best Receiver Questions Draft Selections
Interviewing LaFleur on his podcast, NFL analyst and ex-quarterback Chris Simms asked the Packers coach about the complexities and challenges of managing 53 personalities on the roster. Simms highlighted Reed’s reported reaction to the team’s draft choices.
“So you draft two receivers and you’re like, ‘Hey, our team’s going to be better.’ But almost instantly you have a receiver on your team in Jayden Reed, who I love and I know you love, too, but is like, ‘Hey, what’s this mean for me? Am I getting pushed to the side?'”
Last season, Reed led Green Bay with 55 catches and 857 yards. He also carried the ball 17 times for 163 yards. He became the first wide receiver in franchise history to record 900 yards from scrimmage in each of his first two seasons. He wouldn’t be the top option on most good teams, but he is the best the Packers have. His status as such makes his grumblings all the more unanticipated.
LaFleur Caught Off Guard by Reed’s Response
“Well, I got to say, the first time I saw it that was a surprise to me, because he never once said a word to me,” LaFleur said. “So that’s all I can really speak on.”
As a late third-rounder, Williams is unlikely to make an immediate impact. Golden could grow into a no.1 wide receiver eventually, but projects to provide supplementary production as a rookie. Reed should not be worried about his job security. More uncertain are the futures of Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, although recent reports indicate that trade talk over Doubs has died down.
The Packers have essentially established the group Love will be targeting to begin the season. It’s that team spirit that LaFleur has tried to impart to his players.
“I tell them all the time, it’s about the collection of that whole room and what you’re going to bring to the table. He’s a guy that’s had two years of a lot of production for us, so my encouragement to him is to continue to lead that room, because he’s done a great job of that.”
Regardless of any initial misgivings, Reed seems to be embracing his role, just two years into his own career, of mentoring the youngsters.
“He’s out there the other day at practice, or when we’re doing some of our drills, and he’s coaching up Matthew Golden. So he’s a guy I don’t worry about. He’s going to go out there, he’s going to compete…and he’s going to bring up everybody around him as well.”
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