Green Bay Packers 2015 NFL Draft: Breaking down the tight end prospects
By Dan Dahlke
Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Jeff Heuerman (86) hits Florida A&M Rattlers cornerback Devonate Terry Johnson (4). Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Packers’ Pick: Jeff Heuerman (Rounds 3-4)
I’m a big fan of Heuerman’s game, and for me, it was a close call between him and Tyler Kroft for the best fit for the Packers in this draft.
I would be surprised if Green Bay spends a first or second-round pick on either Williams or Walford. Their needs are too great on defense to spend one of their first two picks on offense (unless they’re really sold on the player).
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The third or fourth round would be my expectation on when they address tight end, and this is probably where they’ll get the best value for the position in the draft.
Heuerman is a smooth route runner and a natural pass catcher who can work the middle of the field. He’s also a tough competitor who shows some potential as a run blocker, despite needing to improve this part of this game.
He has the ability to be a starter in the NFL, but with Green Bay, he won’t have to be. The Packers like Rodgers as their future starter, but Heuerman would complement Rodgers’ well and be a key role player on their team.
He could play in certain packages and then eventually develop into a larger role on the team years down the road.
I also wouldn’t be surprised if the Packers picked a guy like Heuerman early on to add a receiving threat to the position, but then take a guy like Nick Boyle in a later round to address the need of a top-notch run blocker at tight end.