The Green Bay Packers have a definite need at tight end. Mercedes Lewis could retire any year now, Robert Tonyan is coming back from ACL surgery, and Josiah Deguara is more of a move tight end than an inline tight end. Who are a few TE’s the Packers could target in this year’s draft?
Round 1 Absolutely no one
There is no tight end in this draft worth a first-round pick. There is no TJ Hockenson or Noah Fant. I would be absolutely shocked if a tight end was taken in the first round.
Round 2-3 Trey Mcbride Colorado State 6’4” 260 RAS 8.19 View Highlights
2021 stats 90 receptions, 1,121 yards, 1 touchdown, 12.5 yards per reception
Strengths: Big strong tight end. Quick and fast for his size. Really good leverage and makes moves at the top of his route to create space. Large catch radius and does a good job of bailing out QBs on bad throws. Effort guy. Really good blocker
Weaknesses: Does not project as a split-out TE. Isn’t sudden in routes and if he doesn’t win at the top, he doesn’t win on the route. Can get lost when run blocking.
Round 2-3 Jelani Woods Virginia 6’7” 253 RAS 10 View Highlights
2021 stats 44 receptions, 598 yards, 8 touchdowns, 13.6 yards per reception
Strengths: Former QB that understands coverages and how the defense is trying to attack. Can find soft spots in the zone and sit. Athletic and it shows up on film. Large catch radius, quick and agile enough to be split out in a large slot role.
Weaknesses: Not much of a blocker. Still raw in his route running and overall game. Does Not win on route with suddenness and needs to understand leverage better at the next level.
Round 4-7 Daniel Bellinger San Diego St 6’5” 253 RAS 9.65 View Highlights
2021 stats 31 receptions, 357 yards, 2 touchdowns, 11.5 yards per reception
Strengths: Can be flexed out into a large slot receiver. Is a willing and able blocker. Very athletic and can be moved around in an offense with a creative play-caller.
Weaknesses: As a route runner he lacks suddenness and creativity for someone as athletic. Yards after the catch lack as well. Needs athleticism to transfer to the game at the next level
Round 4-7 Jake Ferguson Wisconsin 6’4” 244 RAS 6.73 View Highlights
2021 stats 46 receptions, 450 yards, 3 touchdowns, 9.8 yards per reception
Strengths: Does not give up as a blocker, hard worker that finishes blocks. Has shown the ability to line up in the backfield and be an effective full-back blocker. Wins routes at the top and can be sudden. Good with his hands to create space/and keep defenders guessing.
Weaknesses: Not very athletic, more of a possession type TE with his 9.8 yards per reception. Struggled to consistently create space and get open, his route tree is minimal at best. Lacks the ideal athleticism to make an impact with the ball in his hands.
Round 4-7 Cole Turner Nevada 6’6” 249 RAS 7.37 View Highlights
2021 stats 62 receptions, 677 yards, 10 touchdowns, 10.9 yards per reception
Strengths: Receiving tight end who lined up all over the offense. He will give defenses fits if his coordinator is creative. Uses his hands well to keep defenders off balance and win routes/ create space. Large catch radius to get 50/50 balls.
Weaknesses: He struggles as a blocker. At the next level defenders will give him fits with moves and strength. To be a more advanced blocker probably needs to get stronger. Route tree is limited with most of his production coming from seam routes.
Check out other Packer targets at other positions:
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