Green Bay Packers: Ranking biggest team needs in 2019 NFL Draft

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FOXBOROUGH, MA – NOVEMBER 04: Dont’a Hightower #54 of the New England Patriots attempts to tackle Jimmy Graham #80 of the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Gillette Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

2. Tight end

Last year’s’ marquee free agent singing — tight end Jimmy Graham — didn’t go exactly as planned in 2018. Although he filled the stat sheet with yards and catches (636 yards, 55 receptions), he wasn’t the redzone threat many thought he would be. Graham finished 2018 with just two touchdowns.

To be fair, Graham broke his thumb in the second half of the season, an injury that appeared to affect his ability to catch the ball. All things considered, though, it’s safe to say he’s been a free agent bust to this point.

Behind Graham on the depth chart currently are Marcedes Lewis, who turns 35 in May, and Robert Tonyan, a second-year undrafted free agent. Lewis figures to be more effective than last season, when he only recorded three catches for 39 yards. Lewis is reunited with his former offensive coordinator in Jacksonville, Nathaniel Hackett, who will serve in the same role with the Packers. Tonyan had his moments of brilliance, as well, most notably catching a 54-yard touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks.

The 2019 NFL Draft is stocked with tight ends, a position the Packers should be targeting heavily. The obvious star prospects include the Iowa tight ends, T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant, along with Alabama’s Irv Smith Jr. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Green Bay draft Hockenson or Fant in the first round. Other notable prospects include Dawson Knox, Foster Moreau, Kahale Warring, Jace Sternberger, Josh Oliver and Drew Sample.

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