The Green Bay Packers were very active on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. After adding another talented pass rusher to their defense in the first round with the selection of Lukas Van Ness, the team turned their focus to the offensive side of the ball in Round 2.
With the No. 42 overall pick, courtesy of the Aaron Rodgers trade with the New York Jets, the Packers filled their need for a pass catcher. They selected tight end Luke Musgrave, who could see a major role right off the bat.
Tight end was arguably the team’s biggest need, but they didn’t stop there. Knowing that help was needed at wide receiver, Green Bay traded back into the second round in a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Packers acquired the No. 50 pick and used it on Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed. Reed brings a ton of experience to the table as he started his career at Western Michigan before transferring to play with the Spartans.
A productive receiver in his career, Reed’s most impactful presence could come on special teams. During his time in college, he was an explosive return man, finding success on kickoffs and punts.
Reed is supremely confident in his return skills, as he offered a confident, bold first statement to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. He told fans to expect some fireworks once he steps on the field.
Reed will face some stiff competition for return duties from cornerback Keisean Nixon. Nixon was a Pro Bowl special teamer in 2022 after total of 1,149 total return yards on the season with one kick return for a touchdown.
A little competition never hurt anyone and it will be a fun training camp battle watching Jayden Reed and Nixon competing for the returner job in 2023.
