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Green Bay Packers NFL Draft prototype: Tight end

By Keegan Matheson

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The Green Bay Packers have positioned themselves nicely entering the 2015 NFL Draft.  With minimal holes, mostly on the defensive side of the ball, Green Bay will be able to make pure “best player available” picks at several points in the Draft, and one of the positions that could be addressed is tight end.  In the third instalment of this eight part series leading up to April 30th, I analyze Ted Thompson‘s tight end draft picks over the past 10 years, and how they shape his prototype.  Below are the first two instalments:

Many were surprised when the Green Bay Packers selected Cal’s Richard Rodgers in the third round last year, but Rodgers quietly grew into a complete player later in the season and has the potential to bring in 500 yards as the starting tight end in 2015.  His blocking improved by leaps and bounds, and while he may not be able to stretch the seam vertically, Rodgers can suck in 8-10 yard passes like a vacuum.

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Andrew Quarless is still entrenched as the primary backup, and while he’s had his moments across his Packers career, I see little starting-caliber potential remaining.  He’s a quality piece to have on the roster, but along with third-string option Justin Perillo, the Packers could choose to search for an upgrade.

I see Green Bay addressing this position only if they are seeking a different type of tight end to compliment Richard Rodgers.  Mike McCarthy’s offense thrived when Jermichael Finley was approaching his prime, and their commitment to Brandon Bostick as a physical project for three seasons suggests that an interest remains in tight ends who can create matchup problems.

Tight End  —  6 selections  —  Average of 0.6 selected per Ted Thompson draft

  • 2007:  Clark Harris, Round 7 (243)  –  6’5″, 257 pounds  (4.80-second 40 yard dash)
  • 2008:  Jermichael Finley, Round 3 (91)  –  6’5″, 247 pounds  (4.67)
  • 2010:  Andrew Quarless, Round 5 (154)  –  6’4″, 248 pounds  (4.68)
  • 2011:  D.J. Williams, Round 5 (144)  –  6’2″, 236 pounds  (4.59)
  • 2011:  Ryan Taylor, Round 7 (218)  –  6’3″, 250 pounds  (4.65)
  • 2014:  Richard Rodgers, Round 3 (98)  –  6’4″, 257 pounds  (4.87)

Jan 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Richard Rodgers (89) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Prototype:

When I looked at Ted Thompson’s history drafting running backs, there was a trend of him missing on picks that strayed from his prototypical style, and the same goes for tight ends.  The three names to focus on here are Jermichael Finley, Andrew Quarless and Richard Rodgers.

Ryan Taylor was drafted as a fantastic special teams player, but was not truly intended to impact the offense.  D.J. Williams entered the Packers’ offense with some well-deserved hype as Mike McCarthy hoped to use him as a weapon between tight end and the H-back position, but that strategy never panned out.  This leaves us with Thompson’s three prototypical tight ends, all of whom are larger than 6’4″ and 247 pounds.

Another factor to consider here is hand size, which can play a big role in late December at Lambeau Field.  Richard Rodgers comes with the smallest hands of the group at 10 1/8″, which is still plenty large for the position.  Even the failed D.J. Williams boasted 10 3/8″ mitts.  Sure hands are a key component of Thompson’s prototype at tight end.  Jermichael Finley fell victim to drops often, but those problems were magnified because of the poor timing of his drops, not entirely because of the frequency.

Nov 8, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Jeff Heuerman (5) is tackled by Michigan State Spartans linebacker Darien Harris (45) during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Impact on the 2015 NFL Draft

This isn’t the greatest Draft to go fishing for a tight end, but I would predict there is a 50-50 chance that Green Bay seeks out a new project at tight end in the later rounds.  This player could afford to spend a developmental year if needed, and play the role of 1B to Richard Rodgers’ 1A in 2016 with Quarless possibly out of the picture.

Jeff Heuerman:  6’5″, 254 pounds  –  The Ohio State alum may come off the board well before Green Bay is comfortable spending an asset, but his ability to stretch the seam will be appealing to many.  Huerman is still somewhat of a project, but he squares up to passes nicely in the middle of the field and fits Thompson’s mold.

Jesse James:  6’7″, 261 pounds  –  James comes with smaller hands than I’d like, but his size makes him a red zone threat from day one.  He comes with better straight-line speed than his 4.80+ 40-yard time at the Scouting Combine would suggest, but must improve at the line of scrimmage.  As a late project, the body is there to work with.

Ben Koyack:  6’5″, 255 pounds  –  Koyack was extremely underused in the Notre Dame passing attack and needs some polish on his receiving game, but he could make for a great project.  Scouts love his run-blocking and he has the potential to be an above-average vertical threat at the position.  His 10 3/4″ hands certainly fit Thompson’s prototype, and then some.

Blake Bell:  6’6″, 256 pounds  –  The Belldozer, a converted short-yardage specialist at QB, is as raw as they come at tight end.  He represents a pure lottery ticket pick with work to do all around his game, but if his athleticism can be properly guided, there’s real potential to be a plus yards-after-catch tight end.

James O’Shaughnessy:  6’4″, 245 pounds  –  Another project here from Illinois State, but O’Shaughnessy comes with great hands and foot quickness.  He excels in high-pointing the ball and escaping tight coverage, making him worthy of a flier in the late rounds.

Rory Anderson:  6’5″, 244 pounds  –  I include “Busta” Anderson here for the sake of discussion, but with 8 3/4″ hands, this would be a stretch from the prototype.  Regardless, Anderson brings some serious athleticism at the position with a body much like Finley, and can line up all over the field to create mismatches for his offense.  There’s an injury history there, but his height-weight-speed numbers jump.

As this class shows, the pool of tight end prospects have yet to catch up to the NFL’s demand.  Past Maxx Williams of Minnesota and Clive Walford of Miami, there are very few options with starting potential from day one.  Thankfully for Green Bay, they have a young and underrated starter in place already.

Unless Ted Thompson falls in love with a mid-round prospect, I expect the possible tight end selection to come in rounds 5-7.  The position is very much in vogue right now, and the Packers’ offense has room for multiple tight ends to produce.  Richard Rodgers should still begin 2015 as the clear starter, but Green Bay’s current roster should allow them the luxury of a project behind him.

Next: Green Bay Packers NFL Draft analysis: Running back

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