Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander sees great shades of the former Packers when he looks at the overall play of rising sophomore wide receiver Jayden Reed.
When asked about Reed in the locker room Wednesday, Alexander immediately pointed to Randall Cobb, who caught more than 500 passes and totaled nearly 7,000 yards in 10 seasons as a receiver for the Packers.
“He has full potential,” Alexander said. “He reminds me of a young Randall Cobb.”
Alexander thinks Reed could be even better.
“He is hungry. When a young boy comes who is hungry for the ball, he does his thing. And you see it,” said Aleksander.
Reed led the Packers in catches (64), receiving yards (794) and total touchdowns (10) as a 2023 rookie. Like Cobb for many years, Reed took the ball in a variety of ways – the 2023 second-round draft pick made 11 rushing attempts and was often the target of pop passes and designed touches during his freshman season. His 75 touches totaled 912 yards and he added 94 yards on 13 punt returns.
Cobb was listed at 5-10 and 192 pounds. Reed is 5-11 and 187. Both are tiny but compact receivers who can win in different ways before and after the catch.
Reed can produce from the slot, on gadget plays and as a returner, and he also has legitimate vertical speed, which likely makes him a more vigorous and versatile threat than Cobb.
Can Reed become Jordan Love’s best friend on (and off) the field, like Cobb was to Aaron Rodgers for so many years? Reed passed the test in Year 1. Year 2 for Cobb in Green Bay ended with 80 catches and over 1,000 scrimmage yards, but it appears Reed can achieve both if he can stay hearty in 2024.
