Packers 2022 roster preview: What to expect from Jarran Reed
Jarran Reed was signed by the Green Bay Packers in free agency.
What can we expect from the free-agent defensive tackle? Will Reed step into a starting job from Day 1, or will he be a role player initially?
The Packers also drafted Devonte Wyatt in the first round to further strengthen the defensive line.
No matter whether Reed is a starter, he can have a big season in Joe Barry’s defense.
2021 stats
Reed started all 17 games for the Kansas City Chiefs, making 2.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and two tackles for loss.
2021 season review
Reed likely didn’t meet expectations in his one season with the Chiefs in terms of pass-rush numbers. His 2.5 sacks fell well short of his career-high of 10.5, which he set in 2018.
According to Arrowhead Addict’s Matt Conner, Reed was a “reliable performer” for the Chiefs last season, but took a while to get going:
"“Last year, Reed was a reliable performer by appearing in all 17 games, but he struggled along with the rest of the defense during the first half of the season. It took considerable time for Reed to adjust to a new scheme and teammates, but he came on strong near the end of the year. Green Bay should feel confident that Reed can still be productive up front both in the run game and as a disruptive pass rusher.”"
Reed saved perhaps his best performance of the season for last. He earned the Chiefs’ third-highest Pro Football Focus grade in their NFC title game defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Will he make the roster?
Yes. While the Packers did improve their defensive line depth throughout the offseason, it would be a surprise if Reed didn’t make the initial 53.
What to expect in 2022
The Packers have good depth, so it’s unclear who Joe Barry will choose to start in Week 1. Reed could be a starter.
Barry will hope Reed can offer some interior pass rush, which has been a strength of his game throughout his NFL career. While Reed’s sack totals were low in 2021, he is only a couple of years removed from a solid 6.5-sack season.
With a combination of Reed, Wyatt, Kenny Clark, and Dean Lowry, the Packers are set along the defensive line.
Reed can have an excellent season in Green Bay.