Saturday, May 26, 2018

Packer 2018 Tight Ends - Things Are Getting Interesting!

At the end of the 2017 Packer Season, the tight end position was in a bad place! The Bennett experiment was a failure (what a pathetic example of a professional football player). What would 2018 bring?

Jimmy Graham - 6'7" - 265 lbs - year 9
Marcedes Lewis - 6'6" - 267 lbs - year 13
Lance Kendricks - 6'3" - 250 lbs - year 8
Emanuel Byrd - 6'2" - 240 lbs - year 1
Kevin Rader - 6'4" - 250 lbs - rookie
Ryan Smith - 6'4" - 257 lbs - rookie
Robert Tonyan - 6'5" - 237 lbs - year 1

First, Graham & Lewis? A few obvious observations:

Experience - these to players have 20 years of NFL experience! That means something!

Size - 6'7" & 6'6", that is over 13' of target!! That means something!

Stats - Together they have - 931 receptions - 102 TD's & 11,302 yards! That means something!

Do you think Aaron Rodgers will miss Jordy Nelson? YES!
Do you thing Graham & Lewis will help Aaron Rodgers forget Jordy Nelson? YES!

So, Graham, as he has done in his career will be more of a wide receiver than a tight end. He should help in the red zone & in 3rd done situations! Lewis, is an excellent blocker - this should make the run game VERY good this year!!! So, this fan feels VERY good about our tight end situation!

Lance Kendricks may be the odd man out if one of the younger players makes a jump! He is a dependable vet, but we have two, so, Kendricks may be the odd man out.

My pick, for tight end #3 - Emanuel Byrd. Word is, this young player has made a BIG jump! First, he has overcome MANY obstacles in his life! Check out this article, "

After tragedies, loving memories drive Packers TE Emanuel Byrd

What a story!! And, word is, he has worked at his craft!

As far as Kevin Rader, Ryan Smith and Robert Tonyan - let the battle begin for practice squad!

Kevin Rader - Youngtown State