Green Bay Packers First Round Draft Options: Jalen Reagor
In a series previewing the first round options in the 2020 NFL Draft for the Green Bay Packers, let’s take a peep at wide receiver Jalen Reagor.
A draft loaded with wide receivers is just what the doctor ordered for the Green Bay Packers. And they don’t need to look any further than TCU’s Jalen Reagor.
General manager Brian Gutekunst has loaded his roster with tall, strong receivers that struggle to get vertical and create separation. On that list include Geronimo Allison, Allen Lazard, Jake Kumerow and new free agent addition Devin Funchess. That leaves the 6-foot-1 as their shortest current receiver. Reagor would be a nice compliment to all the height at the position.
At 5-foot-11, Reagor is able to get to his top speed (he ran a 4.47 40-yard dash) very quickly and use it to run past defenders. He can provide Green Bay with the deep threat they desperately need, taking safeties further away from the line of scrimmage and opening up the rest of the field for someone like Adams.
He also showed off an ability to use his speed as a decoy, often cutting route shorts on comebacks with ample separation. When it comes to a contested catch, Reagor also showed off an ability to snag the ball at the high-point and make tough receptions with defenders around him.
He still has work to do on his route tree, as he’s less of a true receiver than others who will be drafted around him. Instead, look of him more like a playmaker. He’s dangerous as hell with the ball in his hands and Matt LaFleur would be able to use his creativity to find different ways to get him in space.
Anytime Reagor touches the ball, he’s a threat to take it all the way. That’s something the Packers could use more of in 2020. Reagor also gives them an option in the return game where he’s also a home run threat. The name of his game is certainly versatility.
Reagor needs to add strength to his game, as he struggles to get off the line of scrimmage when pressed by stronger and more physical cornerbacks. He also showed off inconsistent concentration last season when things didn’t always go his way. He’ll have to work on improving his on the field body language in the NFL.
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He’s not perfect by any means, but his speed is something the Packers desperately need. He’d instantly upgrade their offensive playmakers and give them another threat defenses need to worry about.