Green Bay Packers 2020 roster preview: Tyler Ervin
Tyler Ervin should have an increased role on offense in 2020.
Tyler Ervin made a huge impact when he was signed in December. The Green Bay Packers were heading for a historically bad season on kickoff and punt returns.
They had minus-eight yards before Ervin arrived, but he made all the difference, turning a weakness into a strength.
Along with his role on special teams, Ervin should also get more snaps on offense this year.
2019 stats
Ervin returned 11 punts for 106 yards, averaging 9.6 yards per return. He returned six kickoffs for 160 yards, averaging 26.7 yards per kickoff return.
On offense, Ervin had two catches for 11 yards and a 10-yard rush in the regular season.
2019 review
Ervin made an immediate difference on special teams, helping a return unit that had a total of minus-eight yards (yes, you read that right) prior to his arrival. The Packers’ struggles on special teams were embarrassing, but Ervin provided the spark they needed.
Later in the season, Matt LaFleur found ways to get him involved on offense. His versatility to be used as a receiver or in the backfield made him a good addition to LaFleur’s offense.
Odds of making roster: 90 percent
Ervin’s primary role will be on returns again. The only way he won’t make the roster is if another returner wins the job ahead of him and the Packers go with another running back as the fourth choice. But considering his versatility and value on special teams, it’s hard to see him not being part of the 53-man roster in September.
What to expect in 2020?
Ervin should see an increased role on offense.
According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, Packers special teams coach Shawn Mennenga said that the Packers are “creating some roles for him”, and he spoke about Ervin’s ability to play on offense.
Ervin was signed back in December, but now with a full offseason to find ways to use him on offense, it won’t be a surprise if he’s given more snaps in 2020.
Ervin made a big difference late in the 2019 season and proved to be a great pickup. He can build on that success with the Packers this year.