Packers: Grading each position group following the draft and free agency
Tight Ends
The tight end group will look different this year. The Packers cut ties with Jimmy Graham, who never got close to producing what the Packers had hoped. ‘Big Dog’ Marcedes Lewis will be back to be the veteran leader, but I think it’s safe to say second-year player Jace Sternberger is the guy now. He missed a good chunk of last season after he got hurt in a joint practice with the Texans. He made it back towards the end of the season and caught a touchdown in the NFC Championship game. There are a lot of high hopes for him as the new TE1 this season.
Bob Tonyan is also returning along with Evan Baylis and converted defensive lineman James Looney. Tonyan will provide some solid depth at the position, but I wouldn’t expect too much from Baylis or Looney.
Grade: B-
Offensive Line
David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Corey Linsley, Billy Turner, Rick Wagner, Lane Taylor, Lucas Patrick, Cole Madison, Alex Light, Jon Runyan, Jake Hanson, Simon Stepaniak, Yosuah Nijman
According to PFF, the Packers had the sixth-best offensive line in 2019. It was one of the best squads in the league. Like the article says, Rodgers doesn’t necessarily help their perception. The frustrating feeling that every fan has felt that Rodgers hangs onto the ball too long doesn’t help the guys trying to protect him.
Unfortunately, that squad took a big hit when long-time right tackle Bryan Bulaga signed with the Chargers this offseason, leaving a big hole on the right side of the line. The Packers signed Rick Wagner to fill the hole temporarily. Luckily, they still have the extremely underrated left tackle, David Bakhtiari anchoring the line. Add in Elgton Jenkins, who was phenomenal in his rookie year, Corey Linsley and Billy Turner, this is still a very good offensive line.
They also reworked Lane Taylor’s contract, showing he is likely in the Packers’ plans for this year at least. He will provide some valuable veteran experience who can play just about any position. They also added three linemen in the draft, all of which will likely be interior players. The group lost one of the better right tackles in the game, so they won’t likely be as good as last year, but still a solid group.