Green Bay Packers 2015 NFL Draft: Breaking down the tight end prospects

Louisville Cardinals tight end Gerald Christian (18) runs the ball against Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Josh Forrest (45).

Tier Four

15. Gerald Christian, Louisville (6-3, 244
17. Nick Boyle, Delaware (6-4, 264)
16. Jean Sifrin, UMass (6-5, 245)
18. Cameron Clear, Texas A&M (6-5, 277)
19. C.J. Uzomah, Auburn (6-5, 264)
20. A.J. Darby, Arkansas (6-4, 255)

The Skinny: The Packers could add a second tight end in the later rounds to improve their overall depth at the position and find a player that could contribute regularly on special teams.

Christian is an athletic receiving tight end who spent a majority of his snaps at Louisville lined up in the slot. He’s a smooth route runner with good hands, but lacks the speed and size to be a weapon that really stretches the field.

North squad tight end Nick Boyle of Delaware (86) enters the field during player introductions before the Senior Bowl. Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

Boyle is a tough, powerful tight end who excels as a run blocker, but he also has soft hands and can be effective as a receiver working the short to intermediate routes.

However, Boyle’s game lacks explosiveness. He won’t beat defenders with speed (5.01) or athleticism.

Clear and Uzomah are big targets over the middle of the field with good hands and offer some potential as redzone targets. However, neither one is a smooth athlete in space, and surprisingly, don’t offer much as run blockers despite their size.

Sifrin is an intriguing player with some nice versatility at the position, but at age 27, he’ll go into his rookie year with a short shelf life. Teams will wonder how much more he has to offer, given his age.

Next: Packers Pick . . . ?