Green Bay Packers: 5 Late-round gems to consider in 2020 NFL Draft

The Packers need major help at the receiver position. Davante Adams is a superstar, but behind him, the depth is extremely lackluster. Allen Lazard broke out in 2019 but wasn’t able to string together consistent performances on a week-to-week basis. Consequentially, Adams was the only player on the entire Packers roster in 2019 to finish with over 500 receiving yards.

Virginia receiver Joe Reed could be the late-round gem the Packers are looking for. Built like a running back (6-0, 224 pounds), Reed is a natural runner with the ball in his hands. In fact, he transitioned from running back to receiver while at Virginia. Because of that, he’s still developing as a route runner and overall receiver.

The biggest perk Reed would offer the Packers is the fact that he can return punts/kicks. He was named first-team All-ACC as an all-purpose player and return specialist in 2019. He returned two kickoff returns for touchdowns last season, finishing with an average of 33.2 yards per return. His combination of size and speed (4.47-second 40-yard dash) make him dangerous in space.

Reed wouldn’t be a major contributor in the passing game but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t have a major impact. The Packers were one of the worst teams at returning punts/kicks last season. Additionally, coach Matt LaFleur could set aside three or four touches per game for Reed in the form of rushes and quick throws.