Jayden Reed is the Packers’ No. 1 Receiver

The Green Bay Packers made a resounding statement in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting wide receiver Matthew Golden 23rd overall. This marked the first time in over two decades the franchise invested a first-round pick in the position, signaling an unequivocal commitment to surrounding quarterback Jordan Love with elite talent as he continues his ascent as the team’s leader. While Golden’s arrival brings a new dimension of speed and playmaking potential, it paradoxically solidifies what many within the organization, and astute observers, already understood: Jayden Reed has firmly established himself as the Packers’ undisputed No. 1 receiver.

Reed’s rookie campaign was nothing short of spectacular, especially considering the crowded and talented young receiver room he entered. His electric playmaking ability, precise route-running, and uncanny knack for creating yards after the catch quickly made him Jordan Love’s most reliable and dangerous target. Whether operating from the slot or outside, Reed consistently demonstrated the versatility and toughness required to thrive in the NFL. His chemistry with Love developed rapidly, culminating in a series of clutch performances down the stretch that propelled the Packers into the playoffs. He didn’t just make plays; he made game-changing plays, showcasing the kind of alpha mentality that defines a true top option.

The decision to draft Matthew Golden, rather than diminishing Reed’s stature, actually enhances it. By bringing in another high-caliber threat, the Packers are forcing defenses to spread their coverage, preventing them from consistently bracketing or double-teaming Reed. Golden’s anticipated impact as an outside vertical threat or a dynamic deep option will invariably draw attention, creating more favorable matchups for Reed in the intermediate areas and underneath, where he truly excels. This strategic investment is about building an offensive ecosystem where multiple weapons can flourish, and in that system, Reed remains the primary catalyst, the player who can consistently move the chains and convert critical downs.

This move underscores the Packers’ long-term vision for Jordan Love and the offense. They are not just acquiring talent; they are accumulating complementary skill sets designed to maximize Love’s potential and create a truly explosive passing attack. With Golden’s addition, the Packers now boast a formidable quartet of young pass-catchers, with Reed leading the charge. His proven ability to produce against NFL defenses, his leadership within the young group, and his undeniable connection with Love position him as the cornerstone of Green Bay’s aerial assault. The draft pick was a commitment to Love, but it was also an endorsement of the existing talent, with Jayden Reed standing tall as the undisputed top target.