Packers WR Jayden Reed recalls almost getting drafted by Lions in 2023: "I was sold"
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed is quickly becoming a franchise cornerstone. The 50th pick in the 2023 NFL draft has had a splendid start to this year's campaign and has become quarterback Jordan Love's go-to option.
Despite the Packers virtually abandoning the passing game for two games due to their starting quarterback's Week 1 injury, Reed kept the momentum alive with his quick plays.
On wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Equanimeous St. Brown's podcast, Reed revealed that he was convinced the Packers' division rivals would pick him in the draft.
"I ain't gonna lie, bro, I talked to [the Lions] the most, bro. Like, I talked to them the most out of everybody, bro... I had a meeting at the combine with all the coaches, the GM, everybody, you know what I’m saying? I was sold, but like, you know, you don’t know till you know, right?" Jayden Reed said on the St. Brown Podcast.
The Lions picked running back Jahmyr Gibbs, linebacker Jack Campbell, tight end Sam LaPorta, and safety Brian Branch before the Packers took Reed off the board with the 50th pick.
Considering all four players have been stellar for Detroit, they likely don't regret missing out on the wide receiver. However, the Packers are glad they passed on him.
Jayden Reed stats: WR going toe-to-toe with the best
Jayden Reed put together an excellent rookie campaign. He finished with 793 receiving yards, ranking sixth among rookies, and caught eight touchdown passes, the third-most among players from his draft class.
While he was stellar as a rookie, the 24-year-old has upped his game in his sophomore season. His 414 receiving yards rank fifth in the league behind Nico Collins (567), Ja'Marr Chase (493), Justin Jefferson (450), and DK Metcalf (421).
He likely would've been higher on the list had the Packers not called only 33 pass plays in Weeks 3 and 4 combined due to Jordan Love's absence due to injury.
Reed is one of only three players in the league alongside Alec Pierce and Dallas Goedert with over 300 receiving yards on less than 30 targets. He's the only one with over 400.
Reed is on pace to have a massive season and make a few teams wonder why they passed on him in the 2023 NFL draft.