This is the next in a series of articles providing an in-depth analysis of each position group on the Green Bay Packers. Today we will analyze the tight ends. For our look at the quarterbacks, click here and click here for running backs, here for the defensive line and here for inside linebackers.
The grades will be for each unit as a whole but we will provide analysis of each player, their strengths and weaknesses and a quick analysis of where they stand heading into the offseason.
The Packers tight ends were an interesting group. Head coach Matt LaFleur likes to utilize the players at this position in many different roles and each player on the roster seems to play a different role in the offense.
Here are the grades for the Packers tight ends in 2022. The marks are based on a combination of expectations and performance.
Tight Ends:
Robert Tonyan returned after suffering a season-ending knee injury last season. The former Indiana State star set a new career-best with 53 catches. Unfortunately, his average yards per catch went down to a career-low 8.9 yards per catch and he caught just two touchdowns all season.
Tonyan possess good hands and had a catch percentage of 79.1, the second best mark of his career. What was lacking this season was the burst that made Tonyan a downfield threat who could stretch defenses and make the offense more dangerous.
The knee injury seemed to take away Tonyan’s quickness and burst. Now general manager Brian Gutekunst needs to figure out if one more offseason will be enough to et some of that burst back or if Tonyan is what he’s going to be.
Tonyan is an unrestricted free agent this offseason but has indicated he wants to be back in Green Bay. The Packers may want Tonyan back but he is unlikely to receive a big offer and the Packers should look for an upgrade at the position.
Marcedes Lewis will turn 39 during the offseason and he remains a solid blocker who serves as an extra offensive lineman on the field. Lewis caught just six passes all season for 66 yards and two touchdowns. He has good hands but is just an outlet receiver at this stage of his career.
Lewis is popular in the locker room and provides leadership for the team. Gutekunst may bring him back especially if Rodgers returns to Green Bay next season. He has minimal value as a receiver but is still an important piece of the offense as a blocker.
Josiah Deguara is used more as an H-back or fullback in Matt LaFleur’s offense. He played just 24 percent of the Packers offensive snaps in 2022, down from 35 percent the previous season. Deguara is a willing blocker and a reliable receiver. He isn’t a burner and won’t stretch defenses but his catch percentage was an impressive 86.7 percent, albeit with a limited sample size. Deguara was targeted just 15 times all season but caught 13 passes for 114 yards, an average of just 8.8-yards per catch. Deguara is currently the only tight end on the present roster who is under contract for 2023.
Tyler Davis had a horrible preseason but made the team anyway based on his skill set and potential. He didn’t see the field very often on offense but was a regular contributor on special teams. For the season, Davis caught just four passes for 26 yards while playing just 16 percent of the team’s offensive snaps.
On special teams, Davis played 81 percent of the snaps this season and was a central part of the team’s coverage and blocking units.
The Packers may choose to re-sign Davis but he will need to show more on offense if he hopes to rise above being a fringe roster player.
Austin Allen and Nick Guggemos spent time on the practice squad and were signed to futures contracts. They will fight for roster spots in training camp.
Grade: C+
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