Tyler Davis and blocking ability carving out role in Packers offense
By Paul Bretl
In a Green Bay Packers tight end room that is loaded with upside and big play potential, Tyler Davis has been able to separate himself as a blocker at the start of training camp.
Since offseason programs, Luke Musgrave has been working with the starting offense. Depending on the formation, if the Packers choose to go a bit heavier, we’ve seen Josiah Deguara with the starters as well. Davis, meanwhile, has been able to carve out a role as an in-line blocker, especially when we see Green Bay using 12 personnel (or two tight end sets), which has been fairly often this summer.
Whether matched up one-on-one against the Green Bay edge rushers, including Lukas Van Ness, or if being asked to throw a chip block to help the offensive tackles out, Davis has been able to not only hold his own but standout in this offense as a blocker. In fact, I would say that he’s been the Packers’ best blocking tight end up to this point in training camp.
"“I think Tyler has done a lot of great things,” said Matt LaFleur after Family Night. “He’s made some progress in the pass game as well. Certainly, we all know his value on teams, he’s a core contributor there. He’s really carved out a good role for himself in that situation, but we are probably going to have to rely on him a little bit more on the offensive side of the ball this year.”"
Davis’ 2022 training camp and preseason were filled with dropped passes and inconsistent play. So much so that many questioned whether he would make the 53-man roster after Brian Gutekunst and several members of the coaching staff had spoken so highly of him throughout the offseason. As the fourth tight end last year, Davis played just 175 offensive snaps, being used as a blocker on 127 of those snaps and catching four passes for 26 yards per PFF. Where he really shined was on special teams, finishing with the most snaps on the team and third-most tackles.
With Musgrave, Tucker Kraft, and even Josiah Deguara, Davis’ role in the passing game is likely to be small once again. However, he can earn playing time and a defined role as a primary blocking tight end. As LaFleur has often discussed this offseason, the transition from college to the NFL for the tight end position, in particular, is a difficult one, especially when it comes to blocking. Recently, Musgrave discussed how that aspect of playing the position has been the most difficult part of making the jump to the NFL.
However, it’s also a very important element of being a tight end, especially within the LaFleur offense. So Davis’ ability to bring stability to the position, specifically within that role, is quite valuable to this Packers’ offense that has a first-time starting quarterback and inexperience at the skill positions. If Jordan Love doesn’t have time in the pocket, chances are the play isn’t going to end well. If the run game is inconsistent, it’s going to put this young offense in predictable passing situations, which again, is not a good thing.
As training camp practices and the preseason continue to unfold, it’s important that Davis continues to build upon the momentum he has established already—there is still a degree of unknown around his game. With that said, given that he is performing well in an area where many rookies can struggle, Davis is going to not only see potentially more playing time this season but also play a key role.
"“He’s been in the offense now for a couple years and he understands what we’re trying to do,” said tight ends coach John Dunn, “and he’s great for the young guys. I don’t ever want to set a ceiling on any player and Tyler has a great skill set, too, and he’s coming into his own, right? The greatest part about Tyler, whatever role you give him he owns that role, and wherever that takes him, wherever that takes us, you don’t ever know."