Packers 2021 roster preview: Robert Tonyan a reliable target

The Green Bay Packers needed one of their tight ends to step up last year, so that’s exactly what Robert Tonyan did.

In very little time, Tonyan proved why he was the best receiving option for the Packers at tight end, and he completed a breakout season as one of Aaron Rodgers’ top targets.

No matter who is playing at QB in 2021, Tonyan will again be a key pass catcher in Matt LaFleur’s offense.

2020 stats

Tonyan caught 52 of his 59 targets for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns.

2020 review

Tonyan was Mr. Reliable in the Packers’ offense. When the ball was fired his way, he always made the play. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s had 81 targets over the past two seasons without a single drop.

Due to his incredible catch rate and expected catch rate, Tonyan ranked first in NFL.com’s “Next Gen Stats top 10 pass catchers of 2020” rankings.

That’s not to say Tonyan actually is the best pass catcher in the entire league, but it shows how incredibly efficient he was.

It seemed that everything Tonyan touched turned to gold, and he found tremendous success in the “gold zone”, with seven of his 11 touchdown catches coming down inside the opposing 20-yard line.

It was a truly great season for Tonyan, who has established himself as one of the Packers’ top targets.

Will he make the roster?

No question about it. Tonyan won’t just make the roster, but he’ll be top of the depth chart at tight end.

What to expect in 2021

Can Tonyan replicate last season’s success? He clearly has the talent to do so.

A reliable target for the Packers last year, Tonyan should again see plenty of snaps as the number one receiving tight end on the roster, especially with third-year Jace Sternberger suspended for the opening two games.

Tonyan brought so much to Green Bay’s offense last season. If he can match that production or even take another step forward, this offense will be well on their way to dominating again in 2021.