Once overshadowed, Jayden Reed looks ready for the spotlight

Jayden Reed has played second fiddle to several Packers this offseason, but the rookie wideout could realistically end up with a much larger role than previously envisioned.

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The opening two weeks of the Green Bay Packers' training camp have produced no shortage of stories. Center Josh  Myers has begun to cede snaps to Zach Tom. Rashan Gary returned to the practice field nine months and a day after a torn ACL ended his 2022 season. And, of course, every time Jordan Love so much as lifts a finger, he generates a rush of reactions from the nation's leading takesmen.

But for all the understandable attention those players and situations have garnered, another important development has largely flown under the radar: the ascension of rookie wideout Jayden Reed.

The second of the Packers' two second-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, Reed arrived in Green Bay expected to compete to start in the slot. By the time training camp kicked off, that matter had become a fait accompli. Reed has run with the starters for essentially the entire offseason and keeps making plays for the offense. Love even connected with the rookie wideout for a touchdown during the televised Family Night practice, giving Reed the opportunity for his first Lambeau Leap.

"I'm not going to lie, it was a little higher than I thought," Reed said with a chuckle following the practice. "Luckily, I got a little hop."

So many camp stars fade by the time Week 1 rolls around that skepticism generally seems warranted. But Reed's uncommon consistency for a rookie receiver suggests that he could realistically prove to be an exception. Not only has he already unofficially locked down the slot role, but he has arguably displayed more refinement in his route-running than any other pass catcher on the roster. Reed believes he came out of Family Night with some spotless tape.

"I would say it was pretty clean as far as like MAs or anything. I don't think I had any missed assignments," Reed said of his performance. "It all starts with that. Knowing the playbook and running everything right and executing. And I think I did pretty well."