Jaylen Reed is an incredibly explosive athlete and was utilized as the team’s punt returner. He spent time on the boundary as well as working from the slot. While Reed doesn’t look like he will hold any first-round grades this year, Reed is one of those prospects who teams will hold in very high regard because of the lack of negatives he has as a pure receiver. His talent allows him to be an impact player on special teams as well almost immediately.

Jayden Reed

Z WR – Michigan State Spartans

HT: 5112
WT: 190
Year: Super Redshirt Junior
High School: Metea Valley (Aurora, IL)
Rating: 3-star (0.8204)

Projected Draft Grade: Impact Rotation Receiver

Projection: 2nd/3rd Round

Jayden Reed scouting notes

Pros:

• Solid speed. I would like to see him create more natural separation. 
• Accelerates well. 
• Very explosive athlete. Stands out in this category on tape, should test very well. 
• Crisp, clean footwork through his breaks and routes. 
• Ran a good route tree from both the slot and the boundary at Michigan State. 
• Great hands. Has the capability to make the highlight reel catches when he needs to. Can catch with his body laid out and contorted. 
• Absolutely offers a deep threat ability with his speed and soft hands. 
• Excellent runner after the catch. Has a good combination of athletic ability to make people miss, contact balance, and field vision. Very difficult to track down and catch. 

Cons:

• Not a strong run blocker in the slightest. Will get hands on players but doesn’t impact the play well at all. 
• Consistently ineffective as a run blocker. 
• It’s still not really known if Jayden Reed is a Z receiver or if he’s going to have to work out of the slot.