Green Bay Packers: Five players to watch in preseason

Lance Kendricks

Only a day after the expensive signing of Martellus Bennett, Ted Thompson brought in Lance Kendricks from the Rams. The talented tight end will be the number two option at the position behind Bennett and one spot ahead of Richard Rodgers.

The main reason for bringing him in, was to help improve the team’s blocking. The Packers have struggled in recent years with blocking at the tight end position, which is exactly where Kendricks enters the picture. The improved depth of the Packers running game is going to be helped out by a deeper, more experienced group of tight ends.

The Packers signed Martellus Bennett largely to replace Jared Cook. Cook’s lone season in Green Bay was a good one, but the Packers were still hoping for a healthier, bigger and better blocking tight end. Bennett gives them that.

But the signing of Bennett is made even better due to the addition of Kendricks. For the first time in over five years, the Packers have two quality tight ends who possess rare athleticism and strength to help block for the running game and make a tough third down catch. Bennett can now be spelled by the younger Kendricks, who also provides adequate insurance in the event Bennett or Richard Rodgers is hurt.