Packers quarterback benefits from the emergence of Green Bay’s young receivers

Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks were coming off rather dismal collegiate seasons when they began their NFL rookie seasons.

Bo Melton has spent the majority of the last two years working on practice squads.

They’ve emerged as some of Jordan Love’s most dependable playmakers, helping the Green Bay Packers make an improbable playoff berth. On Sunday, the Packers (9-8) face the NFC East champion Dallas Cowboys (12-5) in Green Bay.

“They’re taking advantage of the opportunity they got and they’re just trying to go out there and make the most of that,” Love told reporters. “And they’re doing a really good job of it.”

One of the most impressive aspects of Love’s first season as a starter is that he is not only throwing to rookies and second-year players, but some of his top choices have been in and out of the lineup due to injuries.

Christian Watson, for example, caught three touchdown passes in an overtime win over the Cowboys as a rookie last season, but has missed Green Bay’s previous five games due to a hamstring ailment. Romeo Doubs played in all 17 regular-season games, but he was taken to the hospital with a chest issue during the Packers’ 17-9 win against Chicago on Sunday. Both had little practice on Wednesday.

If they are unable to travel, the Packers will rely on Reed, Wicks, and Melton to help fill the need. So far, they’ve done fairly well in that aspect.

Love, according to these young recipients, aided the transition by getting to know each of them. On a number of Mondays this season, Love invited offensive players to his house for dinners and team bonding events.

“Jordan just has a knack for every receiver,” said Melton. “Our job is to get open as receivers, tight ends, running backs, for all to get open, and Jordan puts the ball right where it’s supposed to be every single time.”

But the receivers have also done their share.

Last year, Green Bay drafted Reed from Michigan State in the second round and Wicks from Virginia in the fifth round. They each had 1,000-yard seasons in 2021 at their respective schools, but were not as productive the next year.

Nonetheless, their new comrades recognized these newbies’ potential right away.

“I think we knew pretty early on that they were going to be able to make plays when their number is called,” Watson went on to say.

Both have had outstanding rookie campaigns.

Reed leads the Packers in all three categories with 64 receptions for 793 yards and 10 total touchdowns (8 receiving, 2 rushing). Wicks scored twice against the Bears and has 39 receptions for 581 yards and four touchdowns.

“That’s my brother,” Reed added, referring to Wicks. “I hang out with him outside this building, so we have that relationship where we can motivate each other to be better.” If we aren’t doing something correctly, we coach each other.”

The biggest surprise has been Melton.

In December 2022, the undrafted free agent from Rutgers was signed to the Seattle Seahawks practice squad. He spent the majority of the season on Green Bay’s practice squad, but he appeared in five games before being moved to the active roster on January 1. During Green Bay’s three-game winning streak, he has 15 receptions for 211 yards and a score.

“Coming from practice squad, to on the team to the playoffs, you couldn’t draw it up any better,” Melton went on to say. “Thank God, for sure.”

Green Bay’s young receivers have not won over all of their critics. Even after Reed, Wicks, and Melton combined to catch 15 passes for 235 yards in the Bears’ playoff-clinching win against Chicago, Bears safety Jaquan Brisker was unimpressed.

“I feel like we could have tightened up a lot more on the receivers than we did today,” Brisker stated afterwards. “We gave them way too much space.” To be honest, I don’t really have any respect for them.”

Perhaps they haven’t yet earned Brisker’s regard. But they’ve certainly helped the Packers to the playoffs.

They now want to assist the NFL’s newest franchise succeed.

“It really doesn’t matter what age you are,” Wicks added. “Every week, we step out and do what we have to do.” It’s all about preparation and who will be the greatest when it comes time to play.”

NOTES: Pacers running back AJ Dillon (thumb/neck) did not practice on Wednesday after missing the Bears game. LB Isaiah McDuffie (concussion/neck) practiced on a limited basis after missing the game against the Bears.