When the Green Bay Packers traded Davante Adams for early draft picks for the 2023 season, they bet a large portion of their roster strength, and so far, that decision has paid off handsomely. Jayden Reed, their rising slot star, has been able to outperform all other players in similar roles in terms of yards per reception while matching the pace of those around him.
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Reed has been largely responsible for Green Bay’s increase in offensive production, assisting them in turning around their rocky 2-5 start to a 5-6 team with playoff aspirations. Their next game against the Kansas City Chiefs will put their tenacity to the test and reveal how effective they can be in the remaining weeks.
Jayden Reed has the highest yardage per reception in the NFL.
Jordan Love of Green Bay has found a new favorite target in the slot position, and the numbers back him up. Jayden Reed has the highest average of 16.6 yards per catch from the slot position in the NFL. His incredible speed, perfect route running, and downfield vision allow him to skate past defenders with ease.
Furthermore, four of his six trips to the end zone have come from the slot position. While he hasn’t accumulated as many yards as other dynamic receivers, such as Tyreek Hill, who has over 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, Jayden Reed is more effective per catch than Hill this season when both are lined up in the slot.
The Packers have also taken to moving Reed from the slot and sending him around the edge on a sweep. His seven carries have yielded 81 yards and a rushing touchdown, the majority of which came in Week 11’s 23-20 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Jayden Reed is on track to finish the season as hot as he has been in recent games. With the postseason on the line, including a New Year’s Eve game against the Minnesota Vikings that could determine who gets in and who doesn’t, Green Bay needs this effectiveness to last.
