Packers 2022 post-draft position review: Tight ends
With Davante Adams gone, the Green Bay Packers need the rest of their offensive playmakers to step up.
That includes the tight ends.
Have the Packers got enough talent at tight end entering 2022, or should they look to make another addition over the summer?
Currently on the roster
Robert Tonyan, Marcedes Lewis, Josiah Deguara, Dominique Dafney, Tyler Davis, Alize Mack, Eli Wolf
Offseason moves
The Packers decided not to make many changes at tight end this offseason, instead sticking with the group they have. Green Bay re-signed Robert Tonyan to a one-year deal. He was a free agent.
Improved from 2021?
No.
The Packers have remained mostly the same at the tight end position. It’s somewhat surprising they didn’t add a tight end at any point in the draft.
It’s also unclear when Tonyan will be ready to return from a torn ACL.
Key player
Robert Tonyan.
Whether it’s Week 1 or later in the season, the Packers will need 2020 Tonyan once he’s back. There will be a lot of targets to replace with Davante Adams gone.
There are a number of new receivers for Aaron Rodgers to build chemistry with. One target he already trusts in the middle of the field is Tonyan.
Only two seasons ago, Tonyan caught 52 passes for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns. That is the Tonyan that Green Bay needs.
Position outlook
With so much turnover at wide receiver, maybe we will see more two-TE sets this season.
Green Bay will need Marcedes Lewis to continue his great work as a blocker. He can also contribute as a pass-catcher, as we saw in 2021 when Lewis finished with his best receiving numbers in four seasons.
General manager Brian Gutekunst had high praise for Tyler Davis following the draft. Maybe Davis is part of the 53-man roster and contributes on offense.
The Packers have decent depth at tight end, but they will likely be leaning on Tonyan’s receiving ability and Lewis’ blocking. If they can get more of out Josiah Deguara, Davis, or Dominique Dafney, it will be a bonus.
In time, we’ll find out whether the Packers should have added a tight end in the offseason.