Packers 53-man roster predictions after first week of training camp
Tight ends (3)
Jimmy Graham, Marcedes Lewis, Lance Kendricks
The Packers have plenty of experience at tight end. Jimmy Graham is 31 years old, Marcedes Lewis 34 and Lance Kendricks 30.
The two newest signings, Graham and Lewis, are in line to become key contributors on offense. Graham is effectively a wide receiver, and is particularly tough to cover in the red zone. Lewis was signed primarily for his excellent work as a blocker, but the six-foot-six tight end is also a useful receiver.
According to Michael Cohen of The Athletic, Graham is already adjusting well to life in Green Bay’s offense.
#Packers OC Joe Philbin says the connection between Aaron Rodgers and Jimmy Graham is looking good. "I'm very pleased with it so far."
— Michael Cohen (@Michael_Cohen13) August 1, 2018
And the positive tweets have been coming in all week.
#Packers Aaron Rodgers made an incredible throw in red zone to Jimmy Graham. A rocket. Those two making amazing plays each day.
— Mike Clemens (@MikeClemensNFL) July 31, 2018
Even at 31, Graham can give the Packers’ offense something it has lacked for a number of years. Aaron Rodgers hasn’t had a big-time target at tight end since Jermichael Finley suffered a career-ending injury in 2013.
Both Graham and Lewis will make Green Bay’s offense even stronger in the red zone. Davante Adams is already tough to defend inside the 20-yard line — he caught seven red-zone touchdowns in 2017. Graham had 10 touchdowns in the red zone last year, and Lewis had four.
With Adams, Graham and Lewis all on the field, the Packers will be tough to stop in the red zone.