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The Green Bay Packers will go into the 2020 NFL draft with a chance to use the team’s 10 draft picks to build on a roster that finished 13-3 and advanced to the NFC title game in 2019. GM Brian Gutekunst has three picks in the top 100 selections and seven Day 3 picks.
Packers Wire’s position-by-position draft preview rolls on at tight end:
On the roster
Marcedes Lewis, 35, signed through 2020
Robert Tonyan, 25, signed through 2020
Jace Sternberger, 23, signed through 2022
James Looney, 24, signed 2020
Evan Baylis, 26, signed through 2020
Short term need
Moderate, but rookie tight ends rarely make an impact, so expecting a first-year player from this draft class to solve a short term need isn’t really practical or fair. The Packers dumped Jimmy Graham and didn’t add a free-agent tight end, so they’ll be expecting Jace Sternberger to take a big jump and contribute in a much bigger way in 2020. Marcedes Lewis will soon turn 36 but can still play a role as the blocking tight end. Getting more from Robert Tonyan could also help alleviate some of the short term need. He should be ready to play a bigger role. This isn’t a strong position for 2020, but it could be if Sternberger and Tonyan develop and all the pieces fall into place.
Long term need
Potentially high. Lewis is likely playing his last season in Green Bay, and although Sternberger looks like a potential breakout candidate, there’s really no sure thing on the roster long term. The Packers will hope Sternberger digs in as the No. 1 tight end, but there’s room on the roster for a future starter/No. 2 option, especially in the Matt LaFleur offense.
Chances of drafting position
Moderate. Taking another tight end in the first couple of rounds looks unlikely, especially after taking Sternberger in the third round last year and given the lack of top-tier talent in this year’s draft. The Packers did make a run at Austin Hooper in free agency and have done homework on a number of versatile late-round prospects who could operate as a move tight end/H-back. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Packers used one of their Day 3 picks on one of these players.
Depth of draft class
Not great. There doesn’t appear to be a legitimate game-changer in this class, and the talent into the middle rounds is limited at best. Even the top tight ends in the class have their own warts. In fact, it’s possible Sternberger would be No. 1 or No. 2 tight end in this class. Finding a quality future starter might be difficult this year.
Potential options
– Cole Kmet
– Albert Okwuegbunam
– Devin Asiasi
– Thaddeus Moss
– Dalton Keene
– Josiah Deguara
– Charlie Taumoepeau
– Jacob Breeland
Last TE drafted
2019. The Packers drafted Jace Sternberger out of Texas A&M with the 75th overall pick.
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