Latest news with #JaydenReed
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
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.
New York Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
Packers WR Jayden Reed clarifies report about role: ‘A lot of people misinterpreted that'
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed knew what reporters wanted to ask even before fielding his first question of the offseason. 'Y'all been waiting to hear from me, huh?' Reed said as he walked in front of microphones at Lambeau Field after Wednesday's OTA practice. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that in early May, Reed's new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, met with general manager Brian Gutekunst to clarify Reed's role after the Packers drafted wide receivers Matthew Golden in the first round and Savion Williams in the third. Schefter reported that the Packers informed Rosenhaus that those draft picks wouldn't affect Reed's status as their top receiver. The question lingered whether Reed was unsettled after the draft and wanted reassurance about his depth chart standing or if Rosenhaus had spoken with Gutekunst on his own. 'A lot of people misinterpreted that,' Reed said. 'I hired a new agent and we talked about it before even the draft, really, that he said he was going to talk to the front office and everybody here to just catch up and make sure everybody's on the same page. As a new client, he told me that's the way he was going to do it and he did it. Now, I don't know how it got out because it was supposed to be confidential, but that's how it goes sometimes. People get a different perception. They make their own perception, which is OK. That's how it goes sometimes.' Jayden Reed says 'a lot of people misinterpreted' the ESPN report that his new agent Drew Rosenhaus clarified with Brian Gutekunst that Reed is Green Bay's top receiver. Reed's view of the situation: — Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) May 28, 2025 We never truly know what players are feeling, but it doesn't sound like Reed is too perturbed at the arrival of multiple rookie receivers. After all, it was sensible for the Packers to draft a couple given the ACL injury to Christian Watson and the fact that Green Bay's top four receivers are set for unrestricted free agency over the next two offseasons, and the team may lose more than one of them. Advertisement 'In our exit meeting … that's what they talked to me about, was just being more of a leader, being more vocal,' Reed said. 'That's what I'm trying to do because I've been in their position as well. It's not easy to learn plays and it's a lot of chaos as a rookie. (Golden) has been doing a phenomenal job. He's picked it up probably faster than I did, so I commend him on that, and Savion as well. They're always around. I tried to stick around in the huddle to make sure they're good. They've been doing a great job.' Passing game coordinator Jason Vrable and head coach Matt LaFleur say Reed's actions in practice match his words. 'I think the biggest growth, too, is the way his leadership's been right now,' Vrable said of Reed. 'I really want to commend him because he's standing behind Matthew Golden right now, helping him out with every single play.' 'He's been outstanding,' LaFleur said of Reed. 'I've been really impressed with our veterans taking these guys under their wings and kind of showing them the way and really helping them.' Jordan Love to Matthew Golden — Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) May 28, 2025 Reed, a 2023 second-round pick, is probably the most talented all-around receiver on the roster. After catching 55 passes for 857 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie to go along with 8.2 yards per carry and a touchdown on 20 rushes, he finished sixth in AP Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. In 2024, he hauled in 64 passes for 793 yards and eight touchdowns with 10.8 yards per rush and two touchdowns on 11 carries. However, Reed finished tied for fifth in the NFL with 10 drops last season, according to TruMedia. He only caught more than three passes once in the final eight games of the regular season after doing so six times in the first nine contests. After posting three games of at least 113 receiving yards in the first nine games, Reed's single-game receiving high in the final eight games was 76 yards before catching four passes for 46 yards in a wild-card round loss to the Eagles. Reed has the talent to be Green Bay's true No. 1 receiver, even if Gutekunst's confirmation to Rosenahus was simply to appease, but he must be more consistent. Advertisement 'Drops was a problem for me last year,' Reed said. 'I've been on the JUGS machine every day this offseason. Obviously, that will help.' Reed spent the entire offseason training with teammate Dontayvion Wicks in Florida. Reed said Wicks, a fellow 2023 draft pick at receiver, is a 'great separator' because of his twitch, timing and tempo. Training with Wicks allows Reed to better implement those strengths into his own game. Fellow wideout Romeo Doubs trained with them in Florida, too, and Doubs was present at voluntary practice on Wednesday, along with the fourth receiver on the team approaching a notable contract discussion, Watson. Watson tore his ACL in Week 18 against the Bears. Watson's father said on social media that his son should return around Week 12. Gutekunst said at the combine in February that the Packers expect Watson back around the midway point of the season. On Wednesday, Watson stretched with the team and was seen jogging inside the Don Hutson Center, though he rehabbed off to the side once practice began outdoors. Nonetheless, his recovery seems to be charging full steam ahead. 'Christian's doing outstanding,' LaFleur said. 'I would say he's ahead of schedule, but again, I'm not a doctor. I'm not medical staff, so we'll see where he's at.' Christian Watson stretching and jogging here at OTAs. He tore his ACL in Week 18. Gutekunst said in February he's expected to return around the midway point of the season. — Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) May 28, 2025 At some point this season, the Packers hope to have all six receivers — Reed, Watson, Doubs, Wicks, Golden and Williams — healthy. Four of those players want to get paid in the near future. One of them is a first-round pick who will certainly see the ball. The other is an intriguing third-round chess piece that coaches sound enamored with, too. Advertisement With only so many targets to go around, is putting egos aside as easy as players and coaches make it sound? Or have feathers been ruffled and will there be unhealthy tension seeping from the room? 'I think they're doing great right now,' quarterback Jordan Love said of the wide receiver room. 'They're all here. They've been working really hard, but I think any time you draft guys in your room, that's the nature of it, to feel that way … At the end of the day, there's always going to be competition. I don't think any of those guys are shying away from competition. They all want to be the best and be out there on the field. The vibes are good right now.'
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jayden Reed showing leadership by taking Packers' new WRs under his wing
Before the Packers took Matthew Golden and Savion Williams in the NFL draft last month, running back Josh Jacobs was outspoken about the team's need for a No. 1 receiver. None of that sat well with Jayden Reed, who led the team in receptions and receiving yards in each of his first two seasons. Reed's agent reportedly recently met with General Manager Brian Gutekunst to "clarify" Reed's standing with the team. Advertisement Reed, though, has taken the new receivers under his wing in the offseason program. 'Probably the biggest growth is the way his leadership has been right now,' Packers passing game coordinator Jason Vrable said, via Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. 'I really want to commend him because he's standing behind Matthew Golden right now helping him out with every single play. He's going over with Mecole Hardman, who just got here, and he's the one guy right now that I feel – all our guys, the brotherhood is strong right now – but he is like, 'I'm going out of my way,' because he is a natural leader, and he always has been.' The Packers ended last season with five active receivers on their gameday roster. All five are back along with the additions of Golden, Williams and Hardman. Christian Watson is expected to begin the season on injured reserve after tearing his ACL in the regular-season finale against the Bears. 'I know that right now we're as deep as our receiver room has been in my mind in probably four or five years,' Vrable said, 'and maybe even better than that. It could be if things go the right way.'
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Packers WR Coach Addresses 2024 Receiver Corps Struggles
The Green Bay Packers have a diverse group of wide receivers, which gives head coach Matt LaFleur plenty of options to get creative with the playbook. That variety keeps defenses guessing who will get the ball, especially in the red zone. However, Green Bay still doesn't have a clear number-one receiver—someone Jordan Love can rely on when the pressure is on. Green Bay's receiver corps had a productive 2023 season but failed to build on that momentum in 2024. Instead of improving, they regressed, ranking third in the league for drops. Moreover, when Christian Watson was not on the field, the receivers struggled to create separation against man coverage. Advertisement At a media availability last week, Packers wide receiver coach Ryan Mahaffey addressed the drops and outlined how the team intends to prevent the issue from recurring. Minnesota Vikings CB Byron Murphy Jr. (7) celebrates breaking up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers WR Jayden Reed (11).© Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images "To me all those guys understand, they're competitive. As we've gone through, we have conversations about what we need to improve on," Mahaffey said. "Those guys have an understanding that hey, when my number's called, I want to put myself in a position to be able to go out and help my team," he added. "They're naturally competitive. They take a lot of ownership in that, and I think we've got an intrinsically motivated group." The Packers invested significant draft capital in their receiving corps, selecting Matthew Golden in the first round and Savion Williams in the third. They also signed veteran wideout Mecole Hardman to boost competition in the room. Expectations are high for Golden. Reports indicate he has been receiving guidance from Jayden Reed as he adjusts to the offense and settles into the locker room. Advertisement "Jayden's been amazing out there. Just even yesterday, there was a clip where he's back there talking and having conversations with Matthew Golden," Mahaffey said. "He's out there pouring into the rest of the guys on the team. He's bringing great energy out on the field. He's a real joy to be around each and every single day. He works hard. He cares about his teammates. He wants to see other people do well, and it's been fun to see Jayden, as he's continued to grow, being able to expand his leadership skills and pour into others." Pro Football Focus credited Jayden Reed with a team-high in drops last season. He is arguably the most talented receiver on the roster, but he needs to bounce back in 2025. If the Packers are serious about making a Super Bowl run, that urgency has to extend beyond Reed. The entire receiver group must be more consistent, and it starts with simply catching the football. Related: Packers WR Matthew Golden Shares 3-Word Message After Signing Contract
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Matt LaFleur Addresses Latest News On Packers Star Wide Receiver
The Green Bay Packers do not currently have an established number-one wide receiver. However, it is undeniable that since Jordan Love became the starter in 2023, Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs have emerged as his most reliable targets. Green Bay's receiving corps took a noticeable step back last year, ranking third in the NFL for drops and struggling to consistently create separation against man coverage, particularly in the absence of Christian Watson. Recognizing the urgent need to enhance talent and competition, General Manager Brian Gutekunst addressed the issue in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Matthew Golden in the first round and adding Savion Williams in the third. Advertisement According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Gutekunst met last week with Jayden Reed's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, to clarify the wide receiver's status in Green Bay following the drafting of Matthew Golden and Savion Williams. This development surprised many, as those additions were unlikely to affect Reed's productivity or role within the offense. During an appearance on the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur addressed the topic for the first time since Adam Schefter's report surfaced. Packers WR Jayden Reed (11) gains yards after the catch against the Seattle Seahawks.© Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images "The first time I saw that, it was a surprise to me, because he never once said a word to me. So that's all I can really speak on," LaFleur said. "But certainly, you have communication with all our guys, and 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. And he's a guy that, he's had two years of a lot of production for us. So just my encouragement to him is to continue to lead that room, because he's done a great job of that." Advertisement LaFleur also emphasized the importance of clear communication within the organization and praised Brian Gutekunst for identifying players with the right mindset and strong character. "I just think you gotta be open and honest with everybody on your team, I think you avoid a lot of that," LaFleur explained. "So certainly I think it's not always the easiest, you've got 53 men on your roster, you've got another 16 on your practice squad that all have their own hopes and aspirations. But how can they wrap that around the team success. Fortunately I think Gutey and his staff do such a great job of vetting these guys and bringing in high-character people, because at the end of the day these guys have a choice to buy into the team or to buy into individual success, and we've been really fortunate to get a lot of guys into our building that are all about the team, and I hope that continues." Among wide receivers with at least 50 targets last year, Jayden Reed ranked first in passer rating when targeted (137.5) but also tied for second in drops (10). A Portuguese expression, '8 or 80,' describes someone who goes from one extreme to the other with no middle ground — a fitting way to sum up Reed's 2024 season. He'll need to bounce back in 2025, and if he does, he could become a prime candidate for an early contract extension in 2026. Related: Packers Coach Shares Encouraging Update On Jaire Alexander's Status
