Green Bay Packers: Who will play slot receiver in 2020?

Tight Ends

Remember that big slot role from earlier that Funchess or Lazard could spend some time in? That’s the same kind of role that the tight ends on the roster would play.

The Green Bay Packers didn’t bring in any tight ends to compete for the starting spot, so Jace Sternberger will be given every chance to play a big role in the offense this season. In year two of Matt LaFleur’s offense, there will probably be more two tight end sets and these will almost always include Sternberger. These could also involve him motioning out from his spot on the line into space.

Last year, the Packers used 11 personnel (1 running back, 1 tight end, 3 wide receivers) on over 60% of their snaps last season. This year, they may play much more 12 personnel (1 running back, 2 tight ends, 2 wide receivers). In these sets, Sternberger will spend plenty of time connected to the line, but he’ll also replace that third receiver sometimes as a slot as his role grows.

Robert Tonyan is also a great candidate for the slot because he is a natural receiver. In college, at Indiana State, he played as a wide receiver and dominated, using his 6’5″ 220-pound frame to overpower defenders and make some very impressive one-handed catches. He’s improved his blocking a lot in the last couple of years and will be used as a stereotypical tight end plenty of the time, but his wide receiver background gives him a great argument for being considered to play off the line of scrimmage.

Marcedes Lewis is almost a pure blocking tight end and isn’t getting any younger. Although he did turn back the clock in flashes a few times last year when he did things like this:

Even with plays like that, he’s not going to be spending much time detached from the offensive line.