Packers WR Jayden Reed spends extra time with JUGS machine to help cure drops problem
Packers WR Jayden Reed spends extra time with JUGS machine to help cure drops problem
Extra time with the JUGS machine was the remedy of choice for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed after a 2024 season that featured too many drops.
After Wednesday's OTA session, Reed said he's been using the JUGS machine -- a mechanical throwing device used by all NFL teams -- every day this offseason.
'Drops was a problem for me last year,' Reed said, via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. 'I've been on the JUGS machine every day this offseason. Obviously, that will help.'
More consistency catching the football is a must for a talented and versatile wide receiver who left too many yards on the field as a second-year player.
Reed dropped 10 of his 79 targets and had at least one drop in nine games during the 2024 season, according to Pro Football Focus. His 10 drops ranked second among wide receivers, while his drop percentage of 15.4 percent ranked as the third highest among receivers with at least 40 targets.
Unfortunately for the Packers, too many of the drops from Reed and Dontayvion Wicks -- who combined for 20 drops in 2024 -- came in big spots, like third down.
Despite the drops and a late season slump, Reed still averaged 15.6 yards per catch and 2.20 yards per route run -- both excellent numbers for a wide receiver. He went over 1,000 total yards in 2024 but could have been a true game-changer had he held onto the football better in the passing game.
Not all the catching numbers were poor -- Reed did complete 8-of-12 contested catches in 2024.
Also, this appears to be a new problem.
As a rookie, Reed dropped only four passes and had a drop percentage of 4.5. And drops weren't a big issue as a collegiate player -- Reed dropped only 17 passes and had a drop percentage of 7.5 across four seasons and over 300 targets.
Catching a football in a professional football game is a task with a lot of variables in play. Where is the ball located accuracy-wise? Are there defenders nearing in or close by? Receivers must use proper technique and have razor-sharp concentration to consistently make catches within the chaos.
Like most receivers, Reed is putting in the work on the JUGS machine this offseason. The hope is he'll be more consistent catching passes from Jordan Love in 2025.
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