RealGM

SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Michigan State, Reed was a perimeter receiver in offensive coordinator Jay Johnson’s offense. Although his senior year fell short of expectations because of injuries and the Spartans’ offensive struggles, he accounted for 46 explosive plays (20-plus yards) over the past two seasons and became just the third player in school history with multiple punt return touchdowns in the same season. Reed has outstanding foot quickness and skillfully throttles his route speed to separate from coverage. Despite dropping too many easy ones, his focus is heightened on contested windows, and he shows a knack for timing his leaps and snatching the football off the helmets of defensive backs. Overall, Reed will have a tougher time overcoming his slight size vs. NFL defensive backs, but his speed, route tempo and downfield ball skills are the ingredients of a potential NFL playmaker. With a few technical tweaks to his game, he has NFL starting ability (slot and outside) and adds value as a return man.

Reed has been a Swiss army knife throughout his college 5 career. Whether it’s catching the ball, running the ball or effective no matter what he's been asked to do. Reed started his college career at Western Michigan before transferring to Michigan State during the COVID year. His best season came in 2021, as he recorded 1,674 all-purpose yards and 13 returning kicks and punts on special teams, Reed has been touchdowns while finishing with an 82.2 PFF grade. There are plenty of NFL teams who could use Reed’s unique skill set.

Reed is one of the class' crisper route-runners. He knows how to stem to gain leverage, sell his breaks and pace his routes to create separation. Add to that a plus athletic profile, and it's easy to see him being productive at the next level.

Reed's sudden route-running ability allows him to wear a lot of hats on offense. He may not ever be a focal point, but he can still bring value in a number of different roles.

Reed has to find ways to keep his body clean at the next level. He's a completely different receiver when defensive backs get their hands on him. Too many routes get taken off course.

Reed may not have that high of a ceiling at his size, but he's a polished, high-floor player nonetheless.

coolhandluke121 wrote:Just a cursory look so far, but is there anything about his production, film, or traits that's not a lot like Amari Rodgers as a draft prospect?