The Green Bay Packers must use the 2020 NFL Draft to provide the finishing touches on a team that won 13 regular-season games and got within one game of the Super Bowl during Matt LaFleur’s first season as head coach.
Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect fitting the Packers’ roster needs.
Up next is Florida Atlantic tight end Harrison Bryant:
What he can do
– Making catching the football look easy, sometimes effortless
– Has the body control to adjust and concentration to track the ball
– Consistently made contested catches with defenders in close proximity
– Can split out into the slot or out wide and create separation, athleticism is a plus at his size
– Can really run down the seam
– Dominated 1-on-1 passing and pass pro drills at the Senior Bowl
– Good at creating easy passing windows on short throws
– Tough after the catch, can power through tackles
– Not an elite blocker but effort and want-to are both there
– Best blocking moments came as a move tight end in split zone concepts
– Won several reps against Ohio State defensive backs, including a back-shoulder fade against Jeff Okudah
– Experienced playing off schedule in the scramble game
How he fits
The Packers used a third-round pick on Jace Sternberger last year, but the tight end position is far from complete. Jimmy Graham will likely be released, and Marcedes Lewis is an unrestricted free agent. Bryant could be the Packers’ inline and move tight end of the future while Sternberger – a breakout candidate in 2020 – is used all over the formation. It’s an intriguing combo, especially given how each can impact the game as receivers. The Matt LaFleur offense needs quality and variety at tight end, a vital position in the scheme, and Bryant provides a lot of both.
NFL comp
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compared him to George Kittle, noting his “toughness as a blocker” and “speed and separation talent.” There are flashes of both Greg Olsen and Dennis Pitta to his game, especially as a receiver. His value as a pass-catcher will be greater than his ability in the run game early on.
Where Packers could get him
Many publications have Bryant as a top-75 player, although his receiving ability combined with a strong Senior Bowl performance and the opportunity to make a splash at the combine could easily push his value into the top-40 range. Chad Reuter of NFL.com recently mocked Bryant to the Packers at No. 62.
Previous Prospects for the Pack
WR Tee Higgins
LB Kenneth Murray
LB Patrick Queen
WR Jalen Reagor
WR Justin Jefferson