The Green Bay Packers finished an impressive 2023-24 campaign with one of the most efficient and explosive offenses in the NFL. The season culminated in a remarkable wildcard performance where they defeated the two-seeded Dallas Cowboys, becoming the first team ever to win an NFL playoff game as the 7th seed. Although the Packers eventually came just one missed field goal away from an NFC Championship appearance, they set the stage to be contenders going forward.
The offense was built seemingly overnight, with much of the production coming from first and second-year players. The figurehead for the young pass-catching group was Jayden Reed, leading the team in receiving yards (793).
Green Bay Packers 2023 Second Round Pick Shows Out In Rookie Season
Jayden Reed was drafted in the second round of the 2023 draft by the Green Bay Packers. The 5’11 190 pound receiver out of Michigan State where displayed great versatility and drive out of the wideout position. In his rookie year, he was the primary slot receiver for the Packers where he set a franchise rookie record in catches (64), a team-leading 793 yards, and led the team in receiving touchdowns (8).
The Green Bay Packers have not had a rookie with such an immense impact since Sterling Sharpe, as he was the first rookie receiver to lead the team in catches and yards since Sharpe in 1988. Jordan Love has never hesitated to give Reed the recognition he has earned.
“Yeah, he does a lot,” Love said. “Just the explosive playmaker he is, he’s the guy that can win inside in the slot position for us and does a lot of really good things.
“Obviously you see what happens when he gets the ball in his hands. And then just the progression he’s made throughout the season last year, since when he got here, and then obviously now he’s making even more strides. So he’s a phenomenal player, and obviously I think he’s going to have a bigger role this year.”
Reed already solidified himself as one of the premier slot receivers in the NFL, but given he earned that title in his very first year, how far is he from being the number-one slot threat in the league?
Jayden Reeds Potential To Be An Elite Slot Threat For Green Bay Packers
Jayden Reed’s impact out of the slot in just his first season was undeniable, according to Pro Football Focus, Reed was seventh in receptions (44), third in yards (653), and second in touchdowns (seven) when placed in the slot. PFF also notes that 41 receivers were targeted at least 30 times while in the slot. Reed was 10th in yards per route (2.22), fifth in yards per catch (14.8), and eighth in passer rating when targeted (129.8).
His ability was highlighted by NFL writer Dan Pizzuta on Twitter.
Going back through the 2023 Packers offense. Stuck out how well Jayden Reed was used vertically from the slot. Turns out no one really did it better.
Per @TruMediaSports , 18 targets and 361 yards on throws of 20+ air yards when lined up in the slot were most in the league. pic.twitter.com/wywwHhvesk
— Dan Pizzuta (@DanPizzuta) May 3, 2024
Besides superstar receivers Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill, and Ceedee Lamb, there are not any receiving threats in the NFL that are guaranteed to be a more talented slot presence than Jayden Reed. When paired with potential outside stars like Dontayvion Wicks and Christian Watson, Reed will have more than enough space to prove his skill in the key offensive role. Similar to Randall Cobb, it seems like the Green Bay Packers have a slot threat for the future
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