Joe

Reed

Other notable cuts for the Chargers included defensive back Mark Webb and fullback Gabe Nabers. LA took Reed in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Billed as an offensive weapon, Reed never found a consistent role with the team. He served as the team’s primary kick returner as a rookie but was waived before the season started last year. Reed will likely end up on LA’s practice squad.

Reed was one of the Chargers’ primary return men last year but could not crack their shallow receiver corps. Also waived/released by the Chargers were K Michael Badgley, WR Michael Bandy, RB Darius Bradwell, CB John Brannon, DL Cortez Broughton, LB Cole Christiansen, DB Ben DeLuca, OLB Emeke Egbule, DL Breiden Fehoko, OLB Joe Gaziano, OG Nate Gilliam, OG Ryan Hunter, WR Tyron Johnson, TE Hunter Kampmoyer and WR Jason Moore.

Popper added that this was “despite the recent public optimism” around Williams’ quick recovery from his AC Joint injury. The Chargers also kept six receivers on their final roster, furthering casting doubt on Williams playing in their first few games. Joe Reed would play a significant role in the offense if Williams misses time. Los Angeles selected the versatile weapon with the No. 151 overall pick in this year’s draft. Reed topped out at 679 receiving yards at Virginia but added some rushing production and scored on five kick returns. Look for him to get involved in a number of ways early in his career.

An “offensive weapon” type, Reed will have to be comfortable at multiple positions to earn snaps in the Chargers’ crowded skill corps. It’s possible 22-year-old Reed will spend 2020 marinating on the practice squad.

The first player in FBS history with 2,700-plus career kick return yards, Reed (6'0/224) averaged 28.7 yards per return (106/3,042/5) in his four-year career with the Cavaliers. His average depth of target (8.0) was among the lowest in the FBS this past year, but Reed’s 24 red zone targets, fourth-most in the nation, are of note. A versatile and unpolished athlete at the position, Reed has the traits to shine at the next level if handed an opportunity in a creative scheme.