Reviewing Packers 2023 draft class: Tight end Luke Musgrave
By Paul Bretl
Next up in my Green Bay Packers 2023 draft class review is second round pick, tight end Luke Musgrave from Oregon State.
In these articles, I will be diving into the measurements and stats you need to know. Along with each prospect’s fit with the Packers, quotes from Brian Gutekunst and Co., and some pre-draft scouting reports as well.
If you’ve missed any of the other reviews, you can find them below.
Luke Musgrave
Measurements
6’6″ | 252 | RAS: 9.78
In a very deep and athletic tight end class, Luke Musgrave recorded the fourth-highest overall Relative Athletic Score. With good size at the position, and solid testing across the board, what stands out with Musgrave is his speed, something Brian Gutekunst mentioned after Day 2 of the NFL Draft. Musgrave was clocked at over 20 miles per hour with the ball in his hands at the Senior Bowl and posted a 4.64 second 40-yard dash, including the fastest 10-yard split at the position with 1.54 seconds.
Stats to Know
In the run-first Oregon State offense, Musgrave was never a focal point as a pass-catcher. He then missed most of the 2022 season with a knee injury. Musgrave finished his career with 44 receptions on 76 targets at 13.4 yards per catch with two touchdowns. The 2022 season looked like a potential breakout year, with Musgrave catching 11 of 15 passes at 15.4 yards per catch and a touchdown in less than two games. He spent 36% of his career snaps lined up in the slot, according to PFF, and has 318 total special teams snaps. Although not known as well for his run-blocking abilities, he is experienced, with over 500 career run-blocking snaps in Oregon State’s outside zone running scheme.
Fit with the Packers
If we want to put Musgrave and his skill set into a bucket, he will be the Packers’ F-tight end, with his ability as a pass-catcher and to line up in the slot and even out wide. Musgrave’s speed will add some much-needed playmaking to the Packers offense at this position. Last season, Green Bay’s only consistent pass-catching option at tight end was Robert Tonyan, who averaged only 8.9 yards per catch. Musgrave will provide the Packers with a vertical presence down the seam and a dynamic ability over the middle.
With that said, he is not only a pass-catching threat. As mentioned above, he has ample run-blocking experience and Gutekunst routinely complemented Musgrave on his “all-around” skill set and categorized him as an “above average” blocker. This ability to impact both the run and passing games will provide the Packers with some unpredictability at tight end, another element that was missing in 2022 with Tonyan, Josiah Deguara, and Marcedes Lewis all having fairly defined roles. This, in turn, should allow for more play-calling creativity from Matt LaFleur with that added versatility the offense now has and will hopefully result in the defense having more difficulty deciphering what Green Bay is going to do pre-snap, or even as the play is unfolding.
With all that said, it’s important to keep in mind that most rookie tight ends have a very steep learning curve and do not contribute significantly right away. There are a lot of responsibilities that come with this role, especially in the LaFleur offense, where being a pass-catcher, blocker, and moving around the formation are all important aspects to playing the position. History says, it will be an up and down year for Musgrave.
The Packers said it
Jon-Eric Sullivan – VP of Player Personnel
"“There are a lot of good players in this draft class at the tight end position. If you ask me what separates him, it’s his speed. You’ve got to see it; everybody’s talked about it. That’s not to take away from the other guys in this class; everybody has a different skill set, but what kind of sets him apart from the rest of the class is that vertical speed to stretch the field.”"
Pre-draft scouting report
"“Between the abbreviated 2020 season and an injury-shortened 2022 campaign, Musgrave’s snaps have been somewhat limited, but it’s easy to like what he’s put on tape. His route running harkens back to his slalom days with nimble feet and smooth hips helping to generate rhythm and separation in and out of breaks. He needs a little more bulk for combat in the trenches, but he offers what evaluators are looking for in technique, strain and demeanor. Musgrave has starter potential and should gain a coveted slot on draft boards from teams looking to add versatility to their 12 personnel (two tight ends) packages.” – Lance Zierlein, NFL.com"