Packers: 3 under-the-radar players to watch vs. Titans

2. Robert Tonyan

The Packers are in an unusual (for them) pickle at tight end. The presumptive top three players are all 30 years old or over.

Brian Gutekunst may be hesitant to not keep at least one young, developmental prospect at the position. As of now, the player threatening Lance Kendricks’ roster spot the most appears to be Robert Tonyan.

Like Bouagnon, Tonyan is in his second year in the league after being signed as an undrafted free agent, then cut by an NFC North team. For Tonyan, it was the Lions.

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Tonyan began his career at Indiana State University as a quarterback before transitioning to receiver. He put up prolific numbers as a college pass-catcher, averaging 50 catches and nearly 700 yards a season.

As a former receiver, Tonyan is clearly a pass-catching tight end with limited use as a blocker. He stands six-feet-five inches and weighs 237 pounds. Funnily enough, that’s almost the exact size that Calvin Johnson was! It follows that fans can expect a similarly productive, but hopefully somewhat lengthier career than Megatron’s.

In all seriousness, Tonyan has already flashed a few times in practice. He registered a 4.58 40-yard dash time at his pro day and a 38-inch vertical jump at the regional combine. Plus, he believes his experience as a quarterback gives him valuable knowledge and perspective.

Tonyan’s athleticism can be useful not only in the passing game, but also on special teams. If he starts making some plays in the preseason and Kendricks’ inconsistency continues, he’ll have a real shot at the 53-man roster.