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 Washington tight end Hunter Bryant:
What he can do
– Played several different positions, including inline, in the slot, H-back and fullback. Definitely a “move” tight end
– Not really big, fast or explosive. Only 6-2. Not a big jumper. Difficult to project how he’ll win consistently at the next level
– Won against linebackers and safeties for catches from the slot. Almost all his receiving production came split out as a receiver
– Reps in the slot allowed consistently free releases. Almost never dealt with press. That will change at the next level
– Good after the catch. Brings physicality and plus balance to contact situations
– Limited production in contested catch situations. Caught only three in tight coverage in 2019, per PFF. Still showed good body control and focus making catches away from the body
– Didn’t really run away from coverage and didn’t show impressive burst off the ball or in and out of routes. Separation could be a major problem against better athletes
– A “get in the way” type of blocker. Not physical at all as an inline tight end. Can get easily overwhelmed at the point of attack. Blocks are shed with ease. Did his best blocking on the move
– Don’t ask him to block edge rushers, ever
– Strong tracking the ball downfield and will attack it in the air
– Too many double-catches. He has big hands, but they don’t always catch it clean
– Made a crazy one-handed catch in 2018 vs. Ohio State
– History of significant knee injuries (ACL, MCL, meniscus)
How he fits
The Packers will add a tight end this offseason, whether it’s through a big free-agent signing or a draft pick in April. Many consider Bryant to be one of the best tight ends in a shallow and talent-lacking class at the position. He has obvious upside in the passing game as a move tight end, possibly even as a “big” slot receiver type. The Packers offense under Matt LaFleur prefers versatile tight ends who can play several different roles. It’s unclear what role will suit Bryant best in the NFL, but the Washington offense gave him plenty of experience doing a bunch of different things in 2019.
NFL comp
Former Packers tight end D.J. Williams. Like Williams, Bryant produced as a receiver at the collegiate level but has a difficult projection to the next level. Both lack the size and athleticism to fit into a specific role but have attractive versatility. Gerald Everett of the Los Angeles Rams is another common comp.
Where Packers could get him
Likely on Day 2. No tight end in the class looks like a first-round pick. It’s possible Bryant will be available to the Packers at both No. 62 and No. 94.
Previous Prospects for the Pack
WR Tee Higgins
LB Kenneth Murray
LB Patrick Queen
WR Jalen Reagor
WR Justin Jefferson
TE Harrison Bryant
WR Denzel Mims
WR Brandon Aiyuk
WR/TE Chase Claypool
LB Zack Baun
LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
OT Josh Jones
WR Laviska Shenault
OT Austin Jackson
S Antoine Winfield Jr.
DL Raekwon Davis
DB Xavier McKinney
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
DL A.J. Epenesa