Michigan State football: 2 Spartans named to NFL All-Rookie teams

Two former Michigan State football stars were named to NFL All-Rookie teams after a successful 2023 season.

With the NFL season coming to an end, now’s a good time to look back and see how well some former Michigan State football players did this season. Many former Spartans did well this season, but two guys stood out as rookies and have been named to a few All-Rookie teams.

Jayden Reed

Wide receiver Jayden Reed was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of last year’s NFL draft. Most didn’t expect him to have a big year this season, but man did he prove everyone wrong. Reed set many records this season with Green Bay, including the organization’s rookie receptions record after catching 64 passes this season. Reed also led the team in receptions and receiving yards with 793. He also tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns with eight this season.

Reed wasn’t just a threat in the passing game, he also made an impact in the running game as well. He ran the ball 11 times for 119 yards and another two touchdowns. Lastly, Reed was also active on special teams, returning 11 punts for 94 yards.

Most didn’t expect Reed and Green Bay to make the playoffs this season, but they did by earning a Wild Card spot. They upset the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the playoffs before losing at San Francisco the following game.

All of these accomplishments led The Athletic to select him to their All-Rookie team. After an amazing first season in the NFL, the sky is the limit for Reed. As a Detroit Lions fan myself, I struggle knowing how much to cheer for him. But as long as he plays well but loses to Detroit, then I think we’ll be alright.

Bryce Baringer

Punter Bryce Baringer also had an amazing year this season with the New England Patriots. Bryce arguably had an even better season in the eyes of NFL analysts and writers as he was named to three different All-Rookie teams. This includes The Athletic, the Pro Football Writer’s Association and NFL.com.

Bryce was a sixth-round draft pick by the Patriots and he was a starter for them all season. Bryce averaged 46.9 yards per punt and placed 38-of-98 (39 percent) punts inside the 20-yard line. He also had a season long punt of 79 yards this season as well.

Both Baringer and Reed were great Spartans in East Lansing, and that seems to be translating to the NFL as well. Both look ready to have long, productive careers in the NFL and I am excited to watch their journeys.