Green Bay Packers: Andrew Quarless vs. Richard Rodgers

This is our first featured position match up that will feature a battle for the starting spot on the Green Bay Packers roster. Today we look at two tight ends that will be looking to fill a role that Green Bay has needed since losing Jermichael Finley to injuries in 2013. The two players we dive into today consist of second year player Richard Rodgers and 2010 fifth round draft pick Andrew Quarless.

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Position Overview:

The tight position was a whirl pool last season after losing Jermichael Finley in 2013 due to a neck injury. Finley was a perfect fit in the Packers offensive scheme being somebody who had the ability to block as well as catch the ball. Finley played six seasons for the Packers and excluding his rookie season, and two injury seasons he had over 600 yards receiving every season. Green Bay struggled to develop any sort of consistency from a featured tight end last season. Quarless had 323 receiving yards with three touchdowns while Rodgers had 225 receiving yards with two touchdowns. Brandon Bostick also rotated in and out from time to time but was let go after the NFC Championship mishap he had on special teams. Green Bay will now look to get back to a featured tight end role in 2015 and today Lombardi Ave debates both sides while giving who we’d like to see starting at tight end this season.

Andrew Quarless

Pros
Andrew Quarless has been with Green Bay ever since he was drafted in the fifth round of the 2010 draft. He started 11 games last season and had moments where it seemed he could be the number one tight end on Green Bay’s roster at times. He does a good job of finding empty space and Aaron Rodgers seemed to hit him quite a few times on the run last season. Great red zone threat which was highlighted by catching the game winning touchdowns against the Miami Dolphins last season. Has ideal size for the NFL and has worked on strength since being drafted. When he wants to be, he looks like an established player in the NFL.

Cons

Quarless has dug himself a hole this off season which is going to hurt his chances of starting or even playing tremendously. He was arrested in the early part of July for firing two shots from a handgun which he tried to dispose of. He had consistency issues coming out of Penn State as well as character concerns. He did not come out of college in the physical shape he needed to be in. Will slip off blocks quite a bit and will not finish plays. Does not give 100% effort throughout the game.

Although not a con, Quarless missed the first couple practices due to personal issues which was lately found out that his daughter had passed away. We offer our condolences to himself and hope he can be on the field soon.

Richard Rodgers

Pros
Its really hard not to like this kid as he seems to be somebody who is willing to do whatever is takes to be special. After being out of shape as a sophomore due to injuries, Rodgers shed 30 pounds and established himself as one of Cal’s featured players. He has been at the bottom and has risen back to the top. He has a good frame and is a decent pass catcher. Although he was not touted as a great blocker coming into the NFL, last season saw Rodgers seal off on plays that made him look like a 5 year veteran. He is still very raw but having the ability to be coached will go a long way when you’re apart of the Green Bay Packers.

Jan 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Richard Rodgers (89) celebrates by doing the Lambeau Leap after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Cons

Not very quick and did not have NFL speed coming out of college. Not a great route runner and does not cut deep into routes at times. Runs very close and tight making it easy for him to be tackled. Lacks elusiveness and struggles to break free from tackles in the NFL. Did not have a ton of experience coming out college and did not start every game of his senior season. Although he did have moments of greatness last season he did not look like a player who was ready to be a starting tight end at other times.

The Bottom Line

Talent will only get you so far especially when you are a member of a well respected franchise such as the Green Bay Packers. That being said both players having very comparable talent levels but Quarless keeps finding himself in trouble which certainly does not help his case.

Rodgers is the player that needs to be starting in Green Bay this season, and you may see a breakout performance to where he will be a 600/700 receiving yard tight end for years to come. Being well coached is something that goes a long way in this organization and if you are willing to put the work in, you potential is unlimited with this football team. Rodgers will be the starting tight end for Green Bay moving forward.

What do you think?

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