The Green Bay Packers have high hopes for their 2023 second-round pick, tight end Luke Musgrave. He has excellent athleticism for the position and could be a playmaker in the passing game right out of the gate.
But, if there is one thing that Packers tight ends need to do in Matt LaFleur’s system is block. For all of the talent that Musgrave has as a pass catcher, there is plenty of work to do when it comes to his blocking.
Tight end is arguably the toughest position in football to make the jump from college to the pros. Blocking NFL edge rushers is a whole different animal compared to collegiate ones, something that Musgrave is learning the hard way as he has been matching up with veteran Preston Smith in practice.
“The blocking is definitely different. Going up against someone like Preston Smith…it’s different. They are fast, they are big, they are physical, they are on you quick,” Musgrave said after Thursday’s practice. “It’s great, I want to go against those guys because those are the (type of) guys I’m going to go against on gamedays.”
Smith is a bonafide pass rusher. He recorded 8.5 sacks last season and has reached at least 8.0 sacks in five out of his eight professional seasons. With 58 career sacks to his name, Smith is someone that Musgrave has a chance to really hone his skills against.
Going up against him in practice regularly will only help him once he steps on the field in the regular season. While there have certainly been some rough patches, Musgrave is taking it in stride, knowing it will help him in the long run.
“They are making me better,” Musgrave said. “Preston, he’s an 11-year guy, he’s really good. I’m glad I’m going against him. At times, it’s frustrating, but it’s really good.”
Looking like the starting tight end for the Packers, these practice reps are incredibly important for Musgrave. The tight end plays a prominent role in all of the plays that they are going to run, whether it is as a run blocker or running routes to catch passes.
Smith and the defense are making sure they do their part in preparing Musgrave and the young Packers offense for what they will face come the regular season.
“We’re just trying to do our better to help them get better,” Smith said. “We know we have a lot of young guys with a lot potential…we just have to make sure we’re the best competition so when we get to the season, they don’t see anyone better than us.”
Right now, the defense has the upper hand on the offense in practice as they possess a lot more experience. But, this is only going to be beneficial for Musgrave and the other young players on offense in the long run. The more lumps they take now against Smith and the defense in practice, the less bumpy the road will be once the games start to count.
