Crowded TE Room Could Lead to Tough Decisions

If the Green Bay Packers end up rostering four tight ends as they've done in the past under Matt LaFleur, then they could be facing some difficult decisions in what is a crowded tight end room.

In each of Matt LaFleur's first three seasons as head coach of the Green Bay Packers, the team has kept four tight ends on their initial 53-man roster. However, as we look ahead to training camp and the preseason, it would appear that there are five players at the tight end position who could be deserving of a roster spot.

Now, just because LaFleur hasn't kept five tight ends in the past doesn't mean that he will do the same this year. But with that, there are only so many snaps to go around on offense, and in keeping five tight ends, that means another position is going to lose a roster spot as a result. 

At some point this season, Robert Tonyan will return, and according to Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated, both Tonyan and the Packers are "confident" that he could be ready for the start of the regular season.

But regardless of when he returns, he will account for a roster spot. And so will Marcedes Lewis, who has been a leader on this team and is still one of the better blocking tight ends in the NFL.

Josiah Deguara has had his ups and downs, but as I wrote for Cheesehead TV, it can often take tight ends two or three years to really hit thier stride in the NFL, given how difficult the all-encompassing position can be.

As an H-back, Deguara also fills a completely different role than Tonyan, who is a passing catching threat, and Lewis, the traditional Y-tight end--so I think it's safe to say that you can expect Deguara on the final roster as well.

With Dominique Dafney and Tyler Davis is where things start to get interesting, however. While Dafney doesn't leave a huge mark on the passing game, that's not really what he's asked to do either. His primary responsibility is as a blocker, where he finished 14th among all tight ends in PFF's pass-blocking grade last season, and Dafney also adds versatility, lining up all over the formation, including the backfield.

Meanwhile, Tyler Davis saw his role expand towards the end of last season, showcasing that he is a very willing and also effective blocker, ranking 17th in PFF's run-blocking grade. We also saw a glimpse of his pass-catching potential against Baltimore when he caught a 22-yard pass down the seam with Aaron Rodgers under pressure and defenders all around him. 

"TD -- Tyler Davis -- we picked up early in the year, and as his opportunities grew not only in the games but in practice, think we really have something there," said Brian Gutekunst following the NFL Draft. "So I'm excited about that."

Depending on how the summer unfolds, if the Packers do end up keeping only four tight ends, then LaFleur and Co. could face a very difficult decision when it comes to choosing between Dafney and Davis. 

With that said, if special teams is truly going to be more of an emphasis this season -- which it should be -- then rostering five tight ends is a very real possibility as both Dafney and Davis have the potential to become core special teams players under the tutelage of Rich Bisaccia. 

In the end, training camp and the preseason will be the deciding factors, and who knows, maybe these decisions end up being quite easy based on what takes place on the field. But my guess is that won't be the case, and if the Packers do decide to keep four tight ends as they have done in previous years under LaFleur, then a difficult decision is likely going to follow. 

 

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__________________________

Born and raised in Green Bay, WI and I still call it home. After my family, watching the Packers, sharing my opinions on the team through my writing and interacting with other fans is my greatest passion. You can find me on Twitter at @Paul_Bretl. 
 

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Comments (58)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Leatherhead's picture

May 16, 2022 at 11:08 am

Lewis and Deguara for sure. Tonyan early on. That's three right there. The 4th guy, whether it's Davis or Daffney or whoever, isn't going to play much with the other three ahead of them.

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LLCHESTY's picture

May 16, 2022 at 11:40 am

Eli Wolf, who they just signed last week, might also have a chance to stick on the PS. He had a hell of a pro day in 2020, although some of the numbers were called into question. If his hands are decent he has the chance to be the seam stretcher they don't have.

I really wanted them to draft an athletic prospect to work under Lewis' tutelage for a year. Maybe Davis or Mack is that guy but a 3rd or 4th rounder with promise would have been nice.

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Bitternotsour's picture

May 17, 2022 at 08:40 pm

Did it occur to anyone else that they just eli wolf to troll bob mcginn?

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Coldworld's picture

May 16, 2022 at 11:43 am

I doubt that they will just keep 4. We need a general purpose TE, not just Lewis as an inline blocker. If we are going to play an H back role we need depth at it too. After Gute’s comments and others in season, I doubt they won’t keep Davis if healthy. I think it’s worth noting the TE types are usually key STers, however, Lewis and Tonyan most likely are not. More reasons why I suspect 4 isn’t happening.

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croatpackfan's picture

May 16, 2022 at 11:53 am

Paul, Packers has listed 7 TE at the roster at the moment.

Lewis, Deguara, Tonyan, Davis, Dafney, Mack and Wolf.

So, yes, TE room is really crowded.

I can understand why it is crowded. I like Big Bob, but there is always question what he will be able to do after he return from severe injury. Also, I do not see Mercedes Lewis playing as much as he played in the past. So, I believe Davis is security blanket if Big Bob will need more time to come to his previous form and Wolf should be developmental project. Odd man here is Dafney. If Joshiah Deguara can fullfil his role at FB, I can see Dafney is out. Mack should be on PS, and we do not know what are the plans for him.

On the other hand, if Dafney shows improvement in this season TC, FO will have quite hard decisions to make.

P. S. I just read that Jaire finalizing 4 years 84 million deal with Packers...

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ricky's picture

May 16, 2022 at 11:50 am

If the Packers feel confident that Tyler Davis can handle the blocking responsibilities of that Lewis has had, Lewis could be a reluctant cut. The cap savings would be minimal (less than $1 million). The question being, should the Packers move on from an aging vet, or give more time to a player with some upside? I'll let someone else decide. But because of the leadership qualities alone, I'd keep him around.

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wildbill's picture

May 16, 2022 at 12:43 pm

100% agree but with the Alexander contract adding more cap the $1 million might seem ok just for his leadership

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dobber's picture

May 16, 2022 at 01:07 pm

I don't think Lewis gets cut. There's not much to gain in terms of $$ and he's one of QB1's favorites.

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Leatherhead's picture

May 16, 2022 at 01:26 pm

And he gets his guy blocked. That little detail. Even at the advanced age of 67, or whatever he is, he gets his guy blocked. He's our 6th offensive lineman, and it's part of the secret to LaFleur's offense: Putting guys on the field who can get their man blocked.

Don't tell anybody.

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PeteK's picture

May 16, 2022 at 04:45 pm

Might be even more important this season if passing game falters, especially early on.

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Leatherhead's picture

May 17, 2022 at 10:50 am

He's a blocker in the passing game!! On those bubble screens, what do you think the TE is doing? On those play action short passes to the RBs, what do you think the TE is doing? That's half of our attempts right there!

We run about 66 plays a game, and about 6 targets go to the TE. He's a blocker. He's an offensive lineman who is eligible to catch passes. That's our offense.

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Grandfathered's picture

May 18, 2022 at 12:01 am

That was our offense with Tonyon hurt. If he or someone else can stretch the field and catch passes, our offense changes. I like that Lewis blocks well on the edge, and think we should keep him.

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mbpacker's picture

May 16, 2022 at 11:55 am

Who can play special teams may also be a determining factor.

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Bearmeat's picture

May 16, 2022 at 12:07 pm

Crowded TE room? Sure. Crowded with quality? Surely not.

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Leatherhead's picture

May 16, 2022 at 01:32 pm

I recall you saying the same thing about our WR room 2 years ago, and then we went out and led the league in offense. I can only hope that this assessment works out as well as that one did.

In this offense, the most important quality in the TE is being able to get his man blocked, often on the move. They aren't going to get many targets....our TEs got 100 targets in 17 games last year, so that's less than 6 per game. But on the other 60 plays, they have to take a defender out of the play, and all of our TEs do that. No more JerAlmost Finley's or Richard Rodgers. Guys like Bubba and Ed West, who can get guys blocked and catch a pass or two a game.

They're not fancy or flashy, but I wouldn't say they aren't quality TEs for what we're trying to do on offense.

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Rarescope's picture

May 16, 2022 at 05:25 pm

Wth, how does that get downvoted twice LH? Are people really that bent out of shape that we don’t have a Kittle or Gronk on our team? Yeah Tonyan was a nice part of that unstoppable offense of 2020 but it wasn’t like we needed him to carry the team or anything.

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mnbadger's picture

May 16, 2022 at 12:44 pm

If all else is equal, I don't see MLewis' blocking being so much greater than other current options. I'd have a nice ceremony for the big dog, then let him go. Belicheck style. Cold but calculated and probably correct. One year too early instead of one year too late.
He's been an awesome Packer, but one dimensional players are really a thing of the past in the NFL, especially on this team.
these are the decisions that force gm's to earn their money. GPG!

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Johnblood27's picture

May 16, 2022 at 12:53 pm

...and cut Crosby for Molson too...

...Cobb is not needed either, give him the ol heave ho...

Then watch AR's head explode.

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Packers0808's picture

May 17, 2022 at 06:59 pm

delete

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Packers0808's picture

May 16, 2022 at 01:47 pm

Lewis slow and plodding but he still can catch and block and last year he broke many tackles because of his size. I think he makes a case for himself.

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dobber's picture

May 17, 2022 at 08:56 am

The interesting thing is that even after Tonyan got hurt last year, Lewis' snaps remained consistent--that Tonyan's snaps were taken up by the other TEs on the roster (and Lazard)--and arguing that there's virtually no overlap in his role in the offense with the second TE (and the Packers put 2 TEs on the field quite a bit).

In essence, the "Lewis TE" is fundamentally different from the other TE on the roster, and articulated well enough (i.e. valued) that he didn't get smeared over significantly into other responsibilities or used in excess. It argues that they need one TE with a very specific skill set. In the end, the LaF offense says "we have a specific blocking TE (Lewis) and a series of other TEs that can be asked to block, but mostly are rotated and do other things."

I think the take home message here is that this offense will want to have a TE who can provide that "jumbo package" blocker...that could be supplied by a more active pass-catcher, but--worst case--will likely be mostly a mountain who occasionally leaks out and catches a pass or two (as you indicate).

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coolhand's picture

May 17, 2022 at 10:41 am

Lewis is slow, and though a good blocker, he fumbled twice last year. And his second fumble in the playoffs changed the entire game. Lewis is a sentimental favorite, but if he can't play ST it's time to say goodbye.

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LambeauPlain's picture

May 16, 2022 at 01:04 pm

If Big Bob is ready to start the season, great. Odds are he will be on IR to start which will give Matt and Gutey time to evaluate the depth chart of Deguara, Lewis, Dabney and Davis.

And during training camp, Big Dog may announce it is time to retire. He showed he can still block like a second T, and catch an occasional pass to move the chains. And his leadership is a great intangible plus. But the clock comes for us all.

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Johnblood27's picture

May 16, 2022 at 01:12 pm

PUP to start for Tonyan...

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Leatherhead's picture

May 16, 2022 at 01:35 pm

Do you have any kind of link, or info, on that? The only thing that I've been able to find is a brief story where Tonyan says he thinks he'll be back ahead of schedule.

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Johnblood27's picture

May 17, 2022 at 08:25 am

just IMO LH

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Leatherhead's picture

May 17, 2022 at 09:23 am

I found two articles on Tonyan. In March, Zach Kruse said that Tonyan and the Packers both believe he’ll be ready by the opener, and maybe even by training camp. An article a week ago referenced the Kruse story. That’s all the intel I’ve been able to find and I was hoping you had some more info.

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Johnblood27's picture

May 17, 2022 at 08:22 pm

Sorry, I am in the same info blackout as everyone else this time of year.

I certainly hope that all of the optimistic words are true and that Tonyan comes to camp 100% and ready to pick up where he left off in 2020.

I also thought Bakh was better and ready to rock n roll in the playoffs... just sayin...

Injuries can be tricky, lets see what camp brings...

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dobber's picture

May 16, 2022 at 02:46 pm

Would require that he not practice at all during camp, which doesn't sound like it will be the case...but you never can tell at this stage. After all, Bakhtiari was participating in some work on the side during minicamp a year ago and look at how that turned out.

But if Tonyan does any practice time in camp, he'll have to go through the final cutdown before he could go on IR--and he'd have to stay there six weeks anyway. So I'd anticipate they'd keep him on the 53 in that case.

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Coldworld's picture

May 16, 2022 at 05:05 pm

I think it’s unknowable when Tonyan will be able to actually play, not just pass his physical. If there is time to get him meaningful camp time, of course we will. If not I’d rather they leave him on pup till he’s genuinely ready to come in and get up to speed.

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Johnblood27's picture

May 17, 2022 at 08:25 am

bingo

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mrtundra's picture

May 16, 2022 at 01:14 pm

Rodgers loves the Big Dog, so I doubt he goes. If we do go to a 4 TE roster, I think Dafney, or some other UDFA,(if they count towards the 53) may be let go. I think they will keep 5 TEs as Tonyan's status is not a certainty, yet. Injuries really suck, but that's part of the game and how Gute deals with our roster. As someone said earlier, DeGuara is a hybrid type player, half TE, half FB, and can be used in many different schemes. So, he may not be counted as a TE, per se. It is always interesting seeing how Gute and MLF view our team. So far, they've done a pretty good job at getting us and developing talent. GO PACK, GO!!!

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DTowleJr's picture

May 16, 2022 at 01:33 pm

If Robert Tonyan fails to resemble his 2020 form where he played all 16 games, garnering 52 catches for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns, then perhaps the #Packers would consider offloading his cap hit with an injury settlement or straight out cut (it's a GM type move).

Marcedes "Big Dog" Lewis is the question mark in my mind. They want him there for his mentorship of the young guys, but that roster spot is too valuable for a very part-time contributor. I think that turning him into a TE Assistant Coach would be money well spent.

Josiah Deguara is the TE project that needs to get its wings now. Promise is one thing, but promise has gone by the wayside, it's time to buck up.

The rest of the TEs (Dafney, Davis, Mack and Wolf) have youth on their side. They will have to show up big time during the Camps and Preseason or they will become a roster numbers casualty.

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dobber's picture

May 16, 2022 at 02:24 pm

I think that unless he shows up at camp and is only a shadow of his usual self, you're underselling Lewis. On a team that played more 2 TE sets than all but one other team in 2021, a true in-line blocker is a must, and Lewis's snap counts haven't fallen off in recent years. That doesn't mean that he can't get beat out or replaced, but I don't see another Lewis on the roster at this point.

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Rarescope's picture

May 16, 2022 at 05:37 pm

I agree that turning Big Dog into a coach would be money well spent… AFTER he retires from playing. I admit I’m sentimental about our players. Yes I want to see him set some records for TE playing at his age, number of starts etc. But I also think that like Dobbs said he’s still a big contributor to this offense. The only time I remember him dropping the ball was in that last playoff game last year where the offense could do nothing right, and he got hit immediately after he got the ball. If he and the coaching staff think he’s still got something in the tank you damn well better keep and play him.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 18, 2022 at 01:52 am

Lewis played 40.6% of possible snaps in 2020 with a healthy Tonyan (played every game and played 61% of snaps). Lewis played 42% of possible snaps in 2021. Lewis played 45% of snaps in 2019, for that matter.

Lewis is not a "very part-time" player, imo. There is no substitute for Lewis on the roster.

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Johnblood27's picture

May 16, 2022 at 01:39 pm

The Big Dog is a consummate teammate and leader, he gets his man blocked and can leak out for the odd grab and stagger. He is IN.

Tonyan is a ??? until he is healed enough to see if he can still run the seam. He has great hands and knows the offense. If fully recovered he is our move TE option and is IN, If not physically ready he goes to PUP.

Deguara is the swiss army knife in the room, his best feature is his beard and his kung-fu grip. He needs to blossom in this, his third season. He gets the chance to do so, he is IN.

Dafney is the big dog lite, a good blocker than can leak out for a completely unexpected target now and then. Special Teams will tell his tale.

Davis has some move promise, but if Tonyan is healthy he will be stashed on the practice squad until Tonyan either plays or prices himself on or off the roster. If Tonyan starts the season on PUP Davis may have the opportunity of a lifetime to establish himself as a solid move option before Tonyan comes back. We shall see.

Mack and Wolf are camp fodder at this point. maybe practice squad holdovers IF they can contribute on ST's.

IMO of course...

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Swisch's picture

May 16, 2022 at 02:13 pm

My hunch is that Dafney becomes a solid contributor to the Packers this upcoming season, with a rare combination of power and agility, and a knack for big plays.
In any case, this seems a pivotal year from him. He's had a couple of seasons to learn and get acclimated to the Packers and the NFL.
Now is the time for him to step up.

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Coldworld's picture

May 16, 2022 at 05:14 pm

Dafney needs to stay healthy. He’s our nearest thing to a fullback (his college position) and was, before last year, a plus special teamer. I’m hoping we see Deguara used more as the H Back he was drafted to be-we saw one big play that is exactly what he’s built for last season. Time to do more of that and not try to make him play a classical TE role. Dafney is his only logical back up.

At TE I expect Davis (or Mack/Wolf) to be the back up to both Lewis and Tonyan, with another on the PS. They can both block in line and catch and we can’t bet on Lewis always being healthy or do without that kind of protection.

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Swisch's picture

May 16, 2022 at 05:25 pm

So, Coldworld, are you saying that neither Deguara nor Dafney should be put at tight end, and should be saved for playing in the backfield, mostly as blockers?
You seem to be concerned that they could be injured playing tight end, and that then we wouldn't have them for duty as fullback/H Back.
I'm not agreeing or disagreeing, just asking. I'm glad for your comment.

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Coldworld's picture

May 16, 2022 at 06:59 pm

As HBacks, It’s not that clear cut but typically less in line blocking and different routes to a Tonyan/Davis. I’m looking to see the LaFleur version of the H or F back role developed. We saw a little last year, but it was muddied and minimized by the lack of options for zTonyan until Davis played more late. What these guys are not is classical TE builds and skill sets. Too often we’ve seen them doing their best to be something they weren’t drafted/signed for.

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Swisch's picture

May 16, 2022 at 07:17 pm

It seems the tight end room is less crowded but more complicated by the creation of perhaps three different kinds of tight end.
I can't say I understand the differences in the three roles, so it's more for me to learn about pro football.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 18, 2022 at 01:58 am

Lewis can block a DT or DE. Deguara and Dafney block well in space with their targets usually being DBs and LBs, but they can crack down (block a DL from the side). I wouldn't want a play to depend on Deguara blocking a DE mano a mano. Ditto for Dafney.

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Coldworld's picture

May 17, 2022 at 09:15 am

When Deguara was drafted the team made it clear that they picked him because he was a rare example of a guy who was a very effective H or, as LaFleur calls him, F back. He was a guy used a lot out of the back field to lead block and also catch balls and run after the catch. Deguara really never acted as a runner. While sometimes split wide, he often came out of the backfield and often moved around presnap. He could be there to lead block or as a primary target. He’s smaller and quicker than a typical conventional TE, shorter and more agile.

With his rookie injury and injuries at TE, we’ve really seen very little of the H or F back in pure sense in our O on runs or in the passing game consistently. We saw a classic H back type TD in the 25 yard reception against Minnesota where Deguara ran almost like a RB, certainly more rapid than most TEs. That’s a good indication of what he is that a conventional TE isn’t as a passing threat.

Dafney was a FB in college, who ran the ball but also caught and was used as a more important offensive piece than most modern FBs have been not only as a lead blocker or safety outlet. He was perhaps closer coming out to the original Gibbs H back concept of a more versatile fullback who was a weapon in the passing and running games.

Both are strong, shorter and more rapid than a typical TE, stronger as lead blockers and a little less ideally sized as in line blockers or as guys using size to win over the middle. They should pair very well with a real running threat because they can lead block or become the primary target.

Let’s hope LaFleur establishes that role more fully and we don’t have to see them filling in as conventional TEs due to injury or lack of alternative. That would expand our formations and route tree options from run sets. Say Watson, Dillon, Deguara and Davis were in a formation, there’s a lot of ground and passing options at all levels that can come from that and a lot of ability to block.

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Swisch's picture

May 17, 2022 at 12:26 pm

Thanks for the good information and analysis, Coldworld.
It'll be interesting to see how this plays out this season, and I look forward to more of your assessment of the situation along the way.
It seems if Davis isn't fully ready and Tonyan isn't fully recovered, we may need help as far as a pass-catching tight end to work the middle of the field.

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PAPackerbacker's picture

May 16, 2022 at 04:23 pm

Good to have the talent that requires tough decisions. Will be an interesting competition to follow as training camp starts.

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stockholder's picture

May 16, 2022 at 07:54 pm

I'm going to be straight forward here. We keep Lewis because of his blocking. He's 6'5 276 pounds. Why wouldn't he be their best blocker? No other guy comes close. He's old and over weight. Davis at 6'4 252. doesn't do anything a OL can't do. DeGUaura can't do anything a bigger FB could do. He's not a Te. At 6'2' 238. He's a bust. And Daffney isn't that much better at 6'2 243. Then there is Tonyan. A Te who over achieves. He's 6'5 237 IMO A failed WR. And now we claim Wolf. Another 6'4 238 pounder. Got the picture.
Compare them to Kelce 6’5’ 260 ///. Kittle 64” 250 ///. Walker 6’6” 255 ///. Pitts 6’6” 245 ////. Goedert 6'5” 256.
So now you can see whats wrong. Are guys will never be a All-pro TE. They just don't have it. Size, Weight, Hands.
The argument for a smaller TE is speed. But Lewis is what they like. So why keep these guys at all.
With the WR room getting full. I believe you should just give them the shot. Or just go 4 WRs instead at the LOS.

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Johnblood27's picture

May 17, 2022 at 08:21 am

Did you change your diet or something? You are making sense.

I hate to have to use 4 roster spots on players who have very compartmentalized skill sets. Using guys like this just telegraphs to the defense what type of play the offense will run.

Let's just start drafting and signing guys that can play the TE position regardless of down and distance and stop the telegraphing of the plays. That alone will increase the effectiveness of the offense.

I see no need to keep a 6'5" 276lb "blocking only" TE when there are already 3+ backup OL on the gameday roster, including a pretty athletic swing tackle, who can come in as an extra blocker when needed. Remember the U-bacon formation when Ahman Green was gaining 1800+ yards?

I can see having an H-back as a hybrid fullback type, however if you're gonna spend a roster spot on a guy with that position description please make certain that as strength number one he can get his man blocked on a regular basis. Everything else off that role is gravy. Do you see that guy in the TE room today? I don't. I think we ask too much of tweener type guys and don't get guys to actually do what is needed for the position to function properly within the offense.

I really liked this draft class, however I was really hoping that a good TE would be taken. I think there were 6 or 7 pretty good ones available but the use of 2 2nd round picks to get 1 WR cost the Pack a chance to grab one before they were picked over.

Just another example of wasting draft picks to move up and what the opportunity cost may actually be to make those sort of moves.

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Matt Gonzales's picture

May 17, 2022 at 08:54 am

The challenge is those kinds of physical freak TEs are few and far between. If you are a big, physically dominant guy with NFL aspirations, you have a better opportunity for a big payday later as an edge rusher (OLB or 4-3 DE) or on the OL. College programs also largely use TEs as a jumbo receiver, so these guys are coming in much more raw. There are only a few programs that REALLY emphasize the traditional TE role, and unfortunately, the two that do the most (Army/Navy) come with complications as players need to seek out and receive service deferments if they want to continue playing football.

I think GB has a serviceable rotation, and if Lewis stays on, I think Tonyan is the one whose roster spot is the least secure, as Lazard is just as capable as a downfield blocker and isn't coming off a major injury. If Lewis retires and Tonyan is cleared, it comes down to Daffney, Davis, or the most recent FA acquisition for that 4th spot, and I think you will see GB occasionally trotting out a third tackle to line up at TE.

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Coldworld's picture

May 17, 2022 at 09:26 am

Trotting out a third tackle is an old tactic in specific circumstances. Trotting out a third tackle who can block in space better than Lewis and leak out and be an outlet for Rodgers as needed is a rare find indeed. Not too many tackles with those hands or route awareness. The Packers brought in Lewis for a reason. He’s a very rare type these days and cheap.

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Matt Gonzales's picture

May 17, 2022 at 12:34 pm

Agreed on all parts. The job is probably his for as long as he wants it and is physically able to do so. A third tackle at TE isn't a preferred option, but if Lewis is for some reason not there (surprise retirement, injury, surprise cut) I could see it happening on occasion.

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Matt Gonzales's picture

May 17, 2022 at 12:50 pm

Minor clarification. I just looked at the Navy roster and I'm not even seeing TE listed, but they have several tackles that would fit the mold based on height/size to be an NFL Y.

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LLCHESTY's picture

May 17, 2022 at 06:34 pm

If they wanted to draft a big TE to be Lewis'understudy this was the year. There were a lot of bigger TEs and not many suited for the move role. I saw a list of early top TEs for next year and there aren't many with inline size. A lot more move TE types around 235 lbs.

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dobber's picture

May 17, 2022 at 09:04 am

"He's old and over weight."

Have you looked at this guy? There's nothing sloppy about him. He's built to fill a role.

"The argument for a smaller TE is speed. But Lewis is what they like. So why keep these guys at all....With the WR room getting full. I believe you should just give them the shot. Or just go 4 WRs instead at the LOS."

Do you actually watch the games? Do you actually see what roles these players are filling?

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LLCHESTY's picture

May 17, 2022 at 06:36 pm

I think the late era ghost of Al Davis has taken over Stockholder's body. Drafting speed at all costs worked so well for the Raiders.

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stockholder's picture

May 17, 2022 at 06:38 pm

Did you actually pay attention to the top 5 TEs in the NFL? Or just want to keep slamming me? The Comparison was made , because the packers can't find that guy that fits the Top 5. Size matters was the point. Do I actually watch the Games? What planet are you on? There is a reason the TE door keeps revolving. Roles has nothing to do with it!

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dobber's picture

May 17, 2022 at 09:17 pm

"There is a reason the TE door keeps revolving. "

It's actually not. Lewis-Tonyan-Deguara-Dafney all with the Packers the last 3 years--even when Tonyan got hurt? Didn't make a substantial move for a TE. For whatever reason, the Packers seem to be pretty happy with their TE room--as indicated by the fact that they haven't drafted a TE with a meaningful pick in over two years.

"Do I actually watch the Games? What planet are you on? "

The planet where you pay attention to personnel groupings and play distribution.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 18, 2022 at 06:47 am

They gave Marcedes a substantial raise in 2020. At some point they might think he is getting too old, but they seem particularly happy with him.

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