Packers 2020 post-draft position review: Tight ends
The Packers’ tight ends are unproven, but this group has a lot of potential.
For the second year in a row, the Green Bay Packers drafted a tight end in the third round.
But with Jimmy Graham gone, the Packers will have a new starter at the position for the first time in three years.
Have the Packers taken a step forward at the tight end position for 2020?
Currently on the roster
Jace Sternberger, Marcedes Lewis, Robert Tonyan, Josiah Deguara, Evan Baylis, James Looney
Offseason moves
The Packers made two notable moves in free agency. The first was to release Jimmy Graham, who had one year remaining on his contract. Graham was one of Brian Gutekunst’s first big signings as general manager but he never reached the level of play expected when he signed in 2018. Green Bay did bring back Marcedes Lewis, who was a free agent.
In the draft, the Packers used a third-round pick on Josiah Deguara, the second year in a row they drafted a tight end in this round. Last year, they selected Jace Sternberger.
Improved from 2019?
Possibly.
The Packers have swapped Graham for Deguara, but they are two opposites. Graham isn’t a good blocker and his main role is to catch passes. While Deguara’s role in Matt LaFleur’s offense remains to be seen, he will likely be on the field to block a lot. Graham offered a ton of experience while Deguara hasn’t played an NFL snap yet.
A lot will depend on the development of Sternberger. If he can step up in year two and win the starting job, the Packers could improve at tight end.
Key player
Jace Sternberger.
Last year’s third-round pick missed half of the season with injury but showed some potential in the playoffs. If he can make a second-year jump, the starting job could be his. And if he can become a dependable target for Aaron Rodgers, he’ll also help solve the issue of not drafting a wide receiver.
Position outlook
It could really go either way. Marcedes Lewis brings experience to an otherwise incredibly inexperienced tight end room. According to Pro Football Reference, Sternberger, Robert Tonyan, and Deguara have a combined 320 offensive snaps between them in the NFL. Lewis has 4,311 on his own.
As noted earlier, Sternberger’s development is so important. The Packers need him to stay healthy and have an increased role. They’ll also need Tonyan to live up to his potential.
They shouldn’t put too much on Deguara’s shoulders too soon. Rookie tight ends often struggle in year one. He may be able to contribute in the run game and on special teams initially, but expectations shouldn’t be too high.
Have the Packers taken a step forward at tight end? At this stage, it’s too hard to tell.