Packers: Grading each position ahead of training camp

Tight ends: B+

Another position that saw a lot of change this offseason was tight end.

The Green Bay Packers let Richard Rodgers walk in free agency, bringing in veterans Jimmy Graham and Marcedes Lewis to replace him.

If we see the Graham of old in Green Bay, they will have a dominant pass-catching tight end playing with Aaron Rodgers. That’s a scary thought. But Graham will need to prove he can still play at a high level after a down year in Seattle.

While Graham did find the end zone on 10 occasions, which is great news for the Packers, he only posted 520 receiving yards, his lowest total since his rookie year in 2010. His 9.1-yards-per-catch average was the lowest of his career, the first time he failed to hit double digits in that category. Graham also had the third-lowest number of receptions in his career.

Of course, that could quickly change for the better playing in Green Bay’s pass-first offense. He has played alongside two great quarterbacks, but Aaron Rodgers could be his best yet.

Graham won’t offer much as a blocker, but Marcedes Lewis will. Rated the best run-blocking tight end by Pro Football Focus last year, the Packers are getting an experienced tight end who can help the run game, and is also a useful receiver and red zone threat.

With the two new additions, the Packers have experience and depth at the position.