Packers’ 2020 Depth Chart Predictions: Tight End
Predicting what the Green Bay Packers depth chart at tight end could look like heading into training camp of the 2020 season.
The Green Bay Packers‘ tight end position will be one of their biggest unknowns heading into the 2020 season. After years of stopgap talent including the likes of Jimmy Graham, Martellus Bennett and Jared Cook, they appear to be turning the page and looking for a long-term solution.
Jace Sternberger, a 2019 third-round pick, will be given every opportunity to earn the starting role. He failed to haul in a reception during the regular season last year after fighting off injuries for most of the season. However, he did haul in a whopping three receptions for 15 yards and a touchdown in two postseason games. The coaching staff must’ve seen something they liked in him to hand over the reins in 2020.
Behind him will likely be the sturdy veteran Marcedes Lewis. Lewis is no longer a receiving threat, but he is one of the most well-liked players in the locker room and a steady run-blocker. And given the Packers’ apparent propensity toward the run game, he’ll be used often next year.
TE1: Jace Sternberger
TE2: Marcedes Lewis
TE3: Josiah Deguara
TE4: Robert Tonyan
TE5: Evan Baylis
TE6: James Looney
After Lewis is where the depth chart gets a bit murky. Josiah Deguara, this year’s third-round pick, is more of a hybrid who can line up all over the field. It appears Green Bay has some creative strategies in place for him. We list him as tight end simply for alignment purposes.
Robert Tonyan is also a name to keep an eye on. He’s flashed some big-play potential in the past two seasons, but hasn’t been able to put it all together. At 26-years-old, time is running out for him to prove himself as an NFL-caliber tight end.
Tonyan is likely the last guy on this list to make the roster, but that doesn’t mean Evan Baylis and James Looney aren’t intriguing. Baylis is most likely a practice squad player–exactly what he’s been throughout his NFL career.
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Looney is a more interesting prospect. He was originally drafted as a defensive lineman in 2018 and only transitioned to tight end in 2019. He’s got a tough road ahead of him, but it’s not like Tonyan is cemented on the roster. An opening is there, but he’s most likely a practice squad candidate along with Baylis.