Jayden Reed 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• 2021 First Team All-American 
• 2021 First Team All-Big-Ten  

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: Scheme versatile 
• 2022 projected role: Will play the Z and the slot receiver positions

Pros: From the snap, the first thing you notice about Jayden Reed is his initial quickness. In his release, he does a good job of showing good foot-fire and action to throw defensive backs off balance and rhythm. In his route, Reed shows to be a smooth route-runner that has a base level knowledge of how to set defenders up in both man and zone situations. Reed has the short-area quickness to stop on a dime and change direction to get where he needs to be. Once Reed catches the ball, he has the ability to win with his speed where he can attempt to run away from defenders or he can use the functional strength to run through arm tackles. Reed appears to be a receiver that the quicker you can get the ball in his hands the better because has high run-after-catch ability. 

Cons: Jaylen Reed appeared to be one of the primary targets for his quarterback last year, but there was one thing I believe that prevented him from being an even more reliable target: his ability to catch the ball in high-traffic areas. There were multiple occasions where Reed was in high-traffic areas and the ball was thrown to him but he did not come down with it. This could come from an arm length issue or he may be bracing just a second too early for a big hit. I think this issue is correctable and could be the last part of his game that he needs to improve upon to get recognition as a true No. 1 receiver.

Jayden Reed NFL Draft Scouting Report by Keith Sanchez