The Green Bay Packers overhauled their offense this offseason. Some major changes were made, with Aaron Rodgers being traded to the New York Jets being the one that grabbed the most headlines. Alas, the quarterback position is far from the only one that will be looking different in 2023.
The Packers also lost multiple starters and key contributors at skill positions in free agency. Wide receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb both are on the New York Jets with Rodgers. Tight end Robert Tonyan signed with the Chicago Bears and Marcedes Lewis remains a free agent.
The tight end position is actually where Green Bay could be least experienced heading into the season. 2020 third-round pick Josiah Deguara could have the inside track to a starting job right now, but he will be pushed right from the start for that position.
The Packers used multiple Day 2 picks on filling out the depth chart at tight end. In the second round, they selected Luke Musgrave out of Oregon State. In Round 3, Tucker Kraft was selected out of South Dakota State.
Over at PFF, the tight end position battle was the early one to keep an eye on and it is easy to see why. At the very least, one of Musgrave and Kraft will have a big role on offense in 2023. Deguara as the more experienced option will have some chances, but this is another position in transition.
Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Deguara likely doesn’t have a long-term future with the Packers unless he blows away all expectations this season. As things are currently situated, this is a spot that will be occupied by Musgrave and Kraft for the foreseeable future.
Health will be key to which of the rookies can break into the lineup. Musgrave played in only 20 games in four seasons, suffering a season-ending injury in the second game of the 2022 season. Kraft also dealt with injuries, suffering a high ankle sprain, but when in the lineup, was a key cog to the South Dakota State offense.
Both players have the skills to succeed at the next level. Staying on the field is imperative to making the most of that potential as the opportunities will be there to get onto the field.
