Green Bay Packers Tight Ends: Key Questions and 2023 Outlook

Amidst a sea of uncertainties, the tight end position emerges as the most perplexing puzzle for the Green Bay Packers.

With the departure of starter Robert Tonyan to the rival Chicago Bears and the veteran Marcedes Lewis still hanging in free agency limbo, the void looms large. In an attempt to fill the void, the Packers turned to the draft, selecting Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft in the second and third rounds, respectively. But can these rookies truly step up to the challenge?

As we dissect this enigmatic unit, a slew of questions emerge, casting doubt on the ability of the newcomers to match the historical production levels of their predecessors. It’s time to delve into the heart of the matter and ask key questions about the Packers’ tight end unit.

Delve into the key questions surrounding the Green Bay Packers’ tight ends, including their outlook for the upcoming season, potential challenges, and exciting opportunities for the team’s unit in 2023.

How many will they keep?

At first glance, the hierarchy within the Packers’ tight end corps seems apparent. Musgrave, Kraft, Josiah Deguara, and Tyler Davis occupy the top slots. However, the stage is set for other contenders to seize opportunities and leave their mark.

Among the candidates, Austin Allen emerges as an intriguing prospect worth monitoring closely. Standing an imposing 6-foot-8 and weighing in at 253 pounds, Allen possesses a rare blend of size and athletic prowess. While he exhibits commendable speed, it is his agility and explosiveness that truly catch the eye. Notably, his exceptional shuttle and 3-cone scores reflect his remarkable athletic ability, with his broad jump standing out as well.

A testament to his physical aptitude, Allen recorded an impressive 8.81 Relative Athletic Score during last year’s pre-draft workouts (10 is the highest). Could he potentially challenge Davis for the coveted final spot? The answer lies in the forthcoming battles in training camp and preseason.

What role will Josiah Deguara play?

Regrettably, Deguara finds himself among the growing list of underwhelming third-round selections the Packers have made in recent times, although he may not quite reach the levels of disappointment seen with Sean Rhyan or Amari Rodgers.

Deguara’s skill set diverges from that of a traditional in-line tight end. Unlike the versatile blocking and route-running abilities exhibited by Lewis and Tonyan, he is utilized by head coach Matt LaFleur in a more diverse manner. LaFleur aims to exploit Deguara’s versatility by deploying him in various formations, including as a fullback and slot receiver.

With previous quarterback Aaron Rodgers failing to involve him in the passing game, it becomes essential to closely monitor whether Jordan Love’s starting role translates into heightened opportunities for Deguara.

How long will it take the rookies to adjust?

The Packers find themselves in need of immediate contributions from their rookie tight ends. Given Deguara’s unconventional usage, the door is wide open for Musgrave or Kraft to step up and seize playing time, unless Davis manages to outshine them all.

Unfortunately, historical evidence suggests that tight ends typically require a full year to acclimate to the demands of the NFL. With multifaceted responsibilities in both blocking and receiving within the offense, the learning curve can be overwhelming until they fully grasp the intricacies.

Lacking a veteran presence at the position, the Packers cannot afford the luxury of a gradual development process. The rookies will be thrust into the spotlight, tasked with swiftly adapting and making an immediate impact.