The Green Bay Packers could use Jermichael Finley
Pass catchers have been in short supply for the Green Bay Packers this season. Injuries to the Packers’ wide receivers have been well-reported this season. However, tight end play has been decent, but the team could capitalize on better performances from the position. One NFL writer thinks the Packers will take the next Jermichael Finley in the NFL draft.
Tight end Robert Tonyan hasn’t played as well as he had in 2020 when he snagged 11 touchdowns. Tonyan followed that up with two touchdowns in his eight-game injury-shortened season. He hasn’t looked the same since recovering from his ACL injury. The Packers could take a more explosive tight end in the 2023 draft.
Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports presented a 2023 mock draft of the first round this week. Trapasso thinks the Packers take Darnell Washington, a tight end, out of Georgia.
Not a receiver but a colossal, do-everything tight end for Aaron Rodgers. Think Jermichael Finley 2.0.
Washington has been stellar at Georgia
Washington was a member of last season’s national championship team. He was placed on the 2022 preseason John Mackey Award watchlist. Washington has caught 19 balls for 332 yards this season. According to Damian Parson with the Draft Network, Washington is a duel threat as a tight end:
Darnell Washington is a physical specimen at the tight end position. His combination of height, weight, and speed make him a difficult player to defend. From a physical standpoint, Washington checks every box to be a quarterback’s best friend. He presents a huge target across the middle of the field to keep the chains moving. He poses a mismatch for defenses due to his size/athleticism combination. Washington can run past linebackers and box out safeties. He is a bona fide red zone threat for defenses to worry about. He’s also a reliable and willing in-line blocker in the running game. He works vertically and as a slice blocker on split-zone actions.
Washington could be the best of both worlds for the Packers, who need a pass catcher and tight end who can run block. It’s assumed Marcedes Lewis will retire from the NFL in the near future. Comparing Washington to Jermichael Finley is high praise. The 2008 third-round pick was a solid contributor to the Packers’ offense as a pass catcher and run blocker. Washington would have a great chance to improve both of those skills in Green Bay.