Tight end is a position the Packers like to use.
It’s a position that can get down the field and open things up for speedy receivers on the outside.
Robert Tonyan tore his ACL on Oct. 28 last season and there’s a decent chance that he could miss some time to start the season. I know reports are saying he will be ready by the season opener and some reports are saying that he will be ready when training camp starts at the end of July, but I think that’s a pipe dream.
Then there’s Marcedes Lewis. What’s not to love about the Big Dog? But he is 38 and his dynamic ability isn’t what it was a couple years ago. His blocking is still there but I am not sure the Packers can rely on him to get a big catch and run for over six yards for a first down. Lewis had one game last season with four catches — the last time that happened was Dec. 3, 2017.
So what does that mean? It means that Josiah Deguara will need to fill a void. Deguara was drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the possibility of being an impact player. The stars have aligned for the University of Cincinnati standout that has only started three games in his pro career.
The Packers don’t need Deguara to be a Pro Bowl tight end. He just has to be reliable and willing to make a play when the offense needs it. And there will be situations this season where the offense will need his talents to move the chains.
This offense is going to be a group effort this year. Green Bay cannot lean on just one or two guys. The biggest factor for the offense is how vital it will be for everyone to know and understand what their role is. Whether that’s making two third down catches a game or running for 120 yards.
Can Deguara fill a need? Absolutely he can, as long he understands what the need is. He has to know that he will not be a primary weapon but if he proves himself early on, that could lead to an increased role later on when the games matter even more.
Tight end is a position that the Packers need. With the array of bootlegs and bootleg play-action, the tight end has found a home in this offense.
Could Deguara be the next in line of solid tight ends to roll through Green Bay? Yes, as long as he knows what his expectations are early on.
Read More: Josiah Deguara Can Fill A Void