The Green Bay Packers didn’t draft one wide receiver in the 2020 NFL Draft. Many fans are not happy about that and others are second-guessing the decision. The Packers feel like they have all the receivers they need. They have star receiver Davante Adams and are hoping Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard can step up. They also have Equanimeous St. Brown returning from injury and they signed Devin Funchess, who can be a number two receiver when healthy. A player lost in all of this mess and one name that keeps getting left out is former CFL star wide receiver Reggie Begelton. The Packers signed him to a futures deal back in early January. While people are discussing the wide receiver group, don’t forget to mention the former CFL star receiver.
Green Bay Packers: Don’t Forget About CFL Star Reggie Begelton
College Career
Begelton didn’t play at a big school but that didn’t stop him from showing that he’s a capable receiver. He played his college football at Lamar University from 2013-2016 and became one of the best in program history. During that time, he had 208 receptions for 2,260 yards and 19 touchdowns. He earned Second Team All-Southland Conference in both his Sophomore and Junior year while earning First Team All-Southland Conference in his Senior year. Begelton leads the program in all-time career receptions (227), receiving yards (2,435), and he’s second all-time in touchdown receptions (20). He also averaged nearly 60 receiving yards a game and had 10.7 yards per reception. The standout wide receiver took a big step forward in his next journey with a trip north of the border.
CFL Career
Begelton took his talents to the CFL and made a name for himself with the Calgary Stampeders. In his first two seasons (2017-2018), Begelton caught 47 passes for 792 yards. In the second year, he had 488 yards before he broke his arm and missed the rest of the season. He broke out in his third year (2019) and got the attention of scouts. Begelton caught 102 passes for an impressive 1,444 yards and ten touchdowns. That year, he ranked second in receptions, third in yards, and was tied for third in receiving touchdowns in the whole league. He was also the unanimous selection for the Stampeders Most Oustanding Player.
Observation
Listed between 6’0 and 6’2 at 200 pounds, Begelton is a real deep threat who can go up and get the ball. He has good hands and can create space, which is what the Packers desperately need. What might be the most impressive thing about him is his ability to get big yards after the catch. His smart football mind and his athletic prowess gives him a real shot to make a NFL roster.
Future Packer
The CFL is a whole lot different than the NFL but the Packers hope that he can translate his knowledge of the game over. It isn’t a guarantee that he makes the roster in a crowded receiver group but he can turn some heads and be exactly what the Packers were looking for. He’s not a name but with the numbers he put up and the skill he has, he shouldn’t be looked over or forgotten about.
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