Packers: What to expect from new signing TE Marcedes Lewis

A preview of what tight end Marcedes Lewis brings to the Green Bay Packers offense.

The Packers fan base received a surprise on Thursday. General manager Brian Gutekunst dipped back into the free agency pool to sign veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis.

After the draft, the Packers still had glaring needs. One of them was a complementary tight end to Jimmy Graham.

Graham possesses great wide receiver type talent but lacks the ability to block. Signing Lewis means Graham won’t have to worry too much about that anymore, especially with Lance Kendricks on the roster as well.

Since the signing became official, most analyses have focused on Lewis’ ability to block. He’s often cited as one of the best blocking tight ends in the game.

What else does he bring to the table for the Packers’ offense?

Durability

Yes, Lewis has had some injury history. But in two of the past three years, he has played and started all 16 games for the Jacksonville Jaguars. His 2016 campaign ended prematurely after 10 games due to a calf strain.

The reason his season ended was based more on how bad the Jaguars were that season than it was his ability to play through. Jaguars ended their 2016 season at 3-13, which is far from competing.

Also, in Jacksonville, Lewis was to be their top tight end. In some cases, their top target. This will not be the case in Green Bay.

Red Zone

Standing at 6-foot-6, Lewis gives quarterback Aaron Rodgers another target in the red zone.

Playing alongside Graham as well as wide receiver Davante Adams, Lewis will add another target that defenses will need a plan to stop.

First downs

Lewis only recorded 24 catches during the 2017 season. Of those 24 catches, 18 of them went for first downs.

Throughout his career, Lewis is averaging 12 yards per reception. He’s taking over for tight end Richard Rodgers‘ 9.7 yards per reception. Amongst the yards per reception is his yards after the catch.

Last year, Lewis averaged around six yards in that category. It may not seem like a ton, but it highlights his ability to gain first downs.

Under the old regime, we wouldn’t hear about this sort of move. Now, Gutekunst has shown that he isn’t afraid of using free agency to fill roster spots even AFTER the draft.

The move to sign Lewis was an upgrade over Richard Rodgers. Rodgers was serviceable at times but never was able to get open. He also had no ability after the catch, which Lewis brings to the table.

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It was only last year that Lewis put together a 62-yard, three-touchdown performance.

Think of the possibilities with number 12 throwing him the ball.