Tight end is a position that has plagued the Packers over the last several years. They haven’t had a legitimate option at that position since Jermichael Finley years ago. They’ve struck out on free agents like Martellus Bennett and Jimmy Graham. They haven’t drafted much at the position until last year with Jace Sternberger. Now, could the Packers go back-to-back years with a tight end drafted? Some think that is the direction the Packers will go.

What are the Packers’ needs with a tight end
This is one where I disagree with the public on the Packers’ needs. People believe that Sternberger isn’t enough for the Packers offense. While I get that one player is usually not enough, I’m unsure why the tight end position needs to be filled this year. They have Sternberger and Marcedes Lewis. Any tight end that you’ll bring in this year will be likely the third string. Yes, the fascination of being able to have something like Keith Jackson and Mark Chmura is a fun thing to think about but it’s truly hard to pull off.

1. Adam Trautman – This guy has been getting some hype from NFL Draft experts. He is a former quarterback turned tight end from Dayton. Trautman balled out there despite barely playing the position. He is the all-time leading receiver at Dayton. Trautman is a physical tight end that can block and catch the ball. Dayton to the NFL is a whole another world, so, there would be some time needed to get up to speed.

2. Josiah Degura – The reason why I put this guy so high is based on Dane Brugler calling him a Dan Vitale-type of player. To me, that perked up my ears as a potential option for the Packers to replace Vitale. What’s weird about the comparison though is Degura does have some blocking issues. Therefore, it might take some time for him to get meaningful snaps on the Packers’ roster. Still, he could play special teams right out of the box which is helpful.

3. Chase Claypool – One of the top prospects I got to watch in person this year when Notre Dame played Navy. I thought Claypool was a tight end, but he is listed as a receiver. The style he played gave me real Aaron Hernandez vibes (I know people don’t like making that comparison but Hernandez went from a wide receiver to tight end). Claypool can ball and get anything thrown to him. The idea of a hybrid wide receiver-tight end could be a special player in the Packers offense.

4. Thaddeus Moss – If I learned anything from my guy Murph, it is to look at guys who have an NFL pedigree. Thaddeus Moss’ father is Randy Moss, you may have heard of him. He is a bigger tight end which would make him a good replacement for Lewis next season. He is not a burner though. You cannot expect Moss to make big plays at the position, just the right ones.

5. Harrison Bryant – He could be a first-round selection and not even become available for the Packers. Bryant is an awesome football player who can catch anything. Bryant can block too which is a major plus out of the gate. You also have to like the fact that he has gotten better each year he played at Florida Atlantic. If he ends up falling into round three, don’t be surprised if the Packers make a jump at him.

Charlie.