MSU's Jayden Reed, Bryce Baringer earn National team awards at Senior Bowl
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Few players improved their 2023 NFL Draft stock more at this year’s Reese’s Senior Bowl than Michigan State alums Jayden Reed and Bryce Baringer.
At the beginning of last week, Reed and Baringer turned heads during the first two days of practice, with the wide receiver winning nearly every one-on-one battle against opposing defensive backs, and the punter impressing with the longest punt of the week (74 yards).
By the end of the week, NFL coaches and scouts were still intrigued by what they saw out of Reed and Baringer, and both players were recognized for their performances. Reed was awarded the “best receiver of the week” for the Senior Bowl’s National team, while Baringer was named “best special teams player of the week” for the National team.
After his production dropped during the 2022 season, Reed answered many of the concerns about his game this past week. The former Spartan flashed a speed and fluidity in his route running that was missing last season due to minor injuries that Reed battled through throughout the year. At the Senior Bowl, he looked faster in his routes and created plenty of separation from cornerbacks.
Now, Reed is one of the hottest names in the draft. Following the week, some NFL scouts said the Michigan State wide receiver “made the most money” this week in terms of draft stock. While Reed is not going to be a first-round draft pick, he could be a top priority for teams on “Day 2” of the draft (Rounds 2-3).
After three strong seasons at Michigan State, Reed put a lot of quality reps on tape this week for NFL scouts and general managers to study. The next step for the Spartan receiver is performing well at the NFL Combine.
Meanwhile, Baringer still has something of an uphill battle in terms of getting draft, through no fault of his own. While any coach worth his salt will tell you that special teams and field position are important, punter is not a position that NFL teams prioritize in the draft.
With that being said, Baringer is the best punting prospect available this season, and even if he goes undrafted, he will likely be invited to multiple teams’ training camp as an undrafted free agent. He could have his pick of which team he wants to try out with.
In addition to the NFL Combine, both Reed and Baringer will have an opportunity to continue to impress pro scouts and talent evaluators when Michigan State hosts its “Pro Days” in the upcoming weeks. Other players expected to participate in MSU’s pro days are safeties Xavier Henderson and Kendall Brooks, linebacker Ben VanSumeren and running back Jarek Broussard, among others.
