The Green Bay Packers' young receiving corps impressed in 2023, proving an exciting mix of talent that meshes well with Jordan Love.
Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks and Christian Watson all provide dynamic abilities that fit together like a perfect puzzle, combining route running, speed and after-the-catch acumen.
Reed led the Packers with 793 yards on 64 catches with eight touchdowns during his rookie campaign. Spending 75.7% of his snaps in the slot, per Pro Football Focus, Reed displayed a knack for making himself available to Love, good hands, and an ability to threaten all three levels of the defense.
Asked about Reed during OTAs on Wednesday, Packers veteran corner Jaire Alexander provided a lofty comparison for the Year 2 wideout.
"I mean, he has full potential. He reminds me of a young Randall Cobb. But he's, I think, you know -- (whispering) he's better," Alexander said of Reed, chuckling at the last part. "He's hungry, man. When you got a young guy coming in who's hungry for the ball, they're gonna make their plays. And you see it."
Cobb made a name for himself as a slot maven with the Packers, who always seemed to find a way to get open in big spots. Cobb finished his Green Bay career fifth in receptions (532), 11th in receiving yards (6,316) and 10th in touchdown catches (47).
Reed has a ways to go to hit Cobb's numbers but offers a similar upside. The current Green Bay receiver already has a leg up on Cobb, who went for just 375 yards as a rookie but burst out in Year 2 for 954 yards and eight TDs.
Reed has the talent and opportunity to make a similar second-year leap in Green Bay.
Each young Packers wideout brings a different skill set to the table, and while others might bring more explosiveness to the table, Reed's blend of talent and consistency can make him Love's go-to wideout, particularly on third downs and in key spots.
