It is no secret that the Green Bay Packers will be searching for a tight end in the 2023 NFL Draft. The question, of course, is when will they take one. Many fans and NFL analysts believe they should draft one in the first round, something they have not done since 2000 (Bubba Franks). This tight end class is certainly deep, however not many of them are considered to be first round talent. Alex Kay of Bleacher Report identified one tight end that fans have been clamoring for since the NFL Scouting Combine as one player that the team should avoid in the draft.
The Green Bay Packers Should Avoid Drafting Tight End Darnell Washington in the NFL Draft
As mentioned previously, there are not many tight ends that have first round talent in this year’s class. However, there are plenty of solid tight ends that can be had in any of the following rounds. Tight end is certainly a need, but the Packers need to be realistic about the skills they need their new tight end(s) have. They need one or two that are both solid blockers and decent weapons in the passing game. Darnell Washington, who turned heads with his insane tape at the combine, is not that player. Alex Day writes:
“Few teams have a clearer need than the Green Bay Packers do at tight end heading into the 2023 NFL draft. With only four on the roster—including two without any in-game NFL experience—this position is overdue for an upgrade.
“With Green Bay preparing for a post-Aaron Rodgers era, it will be critical to provide a top-notch pass-catcher who Jordan Love can use as a safety net. The Packers should have their pick of the litter at No. 15 overall, which is why they should not reach for Darnell Washington.
“While Washington rates as the Bleacher Report Scouting Department’s second-best tight end behind Michael Mayer, he’s only the No. 26 overall prospect on their big board. His 7.8 grade is tied with Dalton Kincaid as well, who is a much more polished receiver than his Bulldogs counterpart.
“The Packers may have a tough time ultimately choosing which tight end to go with in Round 1, but that choice should be between Kincaid and Mayer. Washington may have high-end size, athleticism, speed and blocking skills, but his catching abilities are sub-par, and that isn’t what the Packers need at this juncture.”
It is interesting that Kay assumes that the Packers are set on drafting a tight end in round one. As I mentioned in the opening paragraph, there are many who are of the same mind. However, it is more likely, in my opinion, that Green Bay will wait until the second round and/or later to take their tight ends. In previous works, I have named Sam LaPorta of Iowa and Zack Kuntz of Old Dominion as possible targets.
For more information on what tight ends the Packers may have on their board, listen to the podcast linked above. In this episode, Brain Maafi of the ABTNetwork, a Packers draft expert, goes through each offensive position and names the players that fit the Packers’ thresholds.
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