Packers: Robert Tonyan one of NFL’s most underrated players

Robert Tonyan was one of the Green Bay Packers‘ biggest surprises last season.

While much of the offseason focus was on Jace Sternberger, a third-round pick the year before, potentially taking over the starting tight end role with Jimmy Graham gone, Tonyan had other ideas.

Tonyan became one of the most reliable pass catchers in Green Bay’s offense, finishing the season with 586 yards and 11 touchdowns from his 52 receptions.

It was a huge step for Tonyan, who had shown potential in previous seasons but never taken that next step. Prior to 2020, Tonyan had just 177 yards and two touchdowns in his career.

Tonyan one of the NFL’s most underrated players?

NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks has ranked the top five most underrated players in the league ahead of the season. At number four is Robert Tonyan.

As Brooks points out, Tonyan isn’t receiving the credit he deserves because Aaron Rodgers is his quarterback, and Rodgers is coming off a career-year and third MVP award. But as Brooks writes, Tonyan is a “crafty route runner with soft hands and superb ball skills”.

Sure, having Rodgers as your quarterback helps, but Tonyan is getting in position to make plays.

Rodgers rarely throws to his receivers unless he trusts them to be in the right place at the right time and make the play. Part of that is getting open, something Tonyan regularly does.

Tonyan also hasn’t dropped a single pass over the past two seasons, according to Pro Football Focus.

Despite his impressive numbers, Tonyan was snubbed from the Pro Bowl with New York Giants tight end Evan Engram surprisingly making the team ahead of him.

Until Tonyan gets the respect his impressive performances deserve, it’s hard to disagree with Brooks that he’s one of the most underrated players in the NFL.

Here’s to another great season for “Big Bob” Tonyan.