Packers Finally Found their Answer at TE and his Name is Robert Tonyan

The Green Bay Packers have found their dynamic TE presence in Robert Tonyan, who is putting together a fantastic season.

It's been several years since the Green Bay Packers have had dynamic and consistent production from the tight end position. In fact, we have to go all the way back to 2012; Jermichael Finley's last healthy season. 
 
However, this issue wasn't due to a lack of effort. Both Ted Thompson and Brian Gutekunst brought in several free agents over the years, including Jared Cook, Martellus Bennett, Lance Kendricks, and Jimmy Graham. But outside of the second half of Cook's 2016 season, this is a position group that has underwhelmed. 
 
So out of all these high-profile names and big signings, who would have thought that the Green Bay Packers' answer at tight end was a former undrafted Indiana State wide receiver? 
 
Well, Aaron Rodgers said he could see Robert Tonyan's potential right away, telling reporters recently, "you knew it early on."
 
In December of 2017, Thompson signed then-rookie, Tonyan to the practice squad. The next season, he would make the 53-man roster as the fourth tight end, but as you can imagine, he was used sparingly. Tonyan saw just 67 total offensive snaps and caught four passes for 77 yards with a touchdown.
 
As Rodgers alluded to, he could see the potential as well as Tonyan's work ethic. But the former receiver had a lot of work to do when it came to refining his game. Rarely do we even see top draft picks at the tight end position make an impact during their rookie seasons. It's quite the jump from college to the NFL level, given that tight ends need to know blocking assignments and techniques like an offensive lineman, but also perform like a receiver and understand route trees. It's a steep learning curve for any tight end, let alone a converted receiver from the FCS level.
 
In 2019, Tonyan saw more action as his snap count jumped to 193 snaps; however, injuries forced him to miss some time. When it was all said and done, Tonyan caught 10 passes for 100 yards with a touchdown. 
 
During the offseasons, Tonyan continued to hone his craft, spending time with San Francisco 49ers' star tight end George Kittle, helping to accelerate that learning curve and turning his body into that of an NFL tight end. Recently, Rodgers also credited both Graham and Marcedes Lewis for their mentorship and helping Tonyan along during his first two seasons.
 
Over Tonyan's first two years with the Packers, that TE1 spot was never truly up for grabs. But after cutting Graham this past offseason, Gutey and Matt LaFleur were banking on the development of Tonyan as well as Jace Sternberger to hopefully assume that role.
 
And through 12 games in 2020, Tonyan hasn't just taken that role over, but he's become one of the most productive and efficient tight ends in the NFL this season. 
 
Entering Sunday's matchup with the Lions, of all tight ends with at least 21 targets, Tonyan led them all with an incredible catch rate of 89.1 percent on 47 targets. His 497 receiving yards were the eight most, his eight touchdowns were tied for the most with Travis Kelce, and Rodgers has a ridiculous 151.3 passer rating -- also the best among tight ends -- when targeting Tonyan.
 
Those are certainly eye-popping numbers, but it's not as if Tonyan is just hanging around the line of scrimmage collecting easy passes. He's also been one of the more productive downfield targets as well. According to Pro Football Focus, Tonyan has been targeted on passes of 20 yards or more 17.4 percent of the time, which is the eighth highest-rate among tight ends. His 186 yards on deep balls is the second most, and his eight targets are tied for the third most. 
 
When asked about Tonyan, both Rodgers and LaFleur mentioned several reasons behind his meteoric rise, including the work that he's put in, the offseasons spent with Kittle, Rodgers discussed his improved football IQ, and LaFleur told reporters that Tonyan is one player who is really thriving in Year 2 of this offense.
 
On Sunday against Detroit, we saw another Tonyan-esque performance, hauling in five receptions on five targets for 36 yards, and of course, with a touchdown. While Tonyan's numbers as a pass-catcher are catching everyone's attention -- as they should -- he's also greatly improved his ability as a blocker during his career and is becoming a very good all-around tight end, who has been praised by Rodgers in the past for being "just so versatile."
 
Tonyan is second on this Packers team in receptions, behind only Davante Adams, he's third in receiving yards behind Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and second in touchdowns, once again, trailing only Adams. But most importantly, as LaFleur pointed out, he has QB1's trust. 
 
To get to this point, it took a lot of hard-work from Tonyan, but also patience from the Green Bay Packers. He needed time to adjust to the position at the NFL level, and now, both are reaping the rewards of providing him with the proper time to develop. After years of searching for that dynamic tight end presence, by all accounts, the Packers found it in Robert Tonyan, the undrafted wide receiver from Indiana State. 

 

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__________________________

Born and raised in Green Bay, WI and I still call it home. After my family, watching the Packers, sharing my opinions on the team through my writing and interacting with other fans is my greatest passion. You can find me on Twitter at @Paul_Bretl. 
 

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18 points
 

Comments (56)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Alberta_Packer's picture

December 14, 2020 at 12:14 pm

So I'm sold on "Big Bob" - now thinking a long-term contract for him. He's 26 - so maybe a long-term contract of 3/4 years? If the top TEs are getting 15m/year - so Tonyan 4 yrs. X 10m ?

3 points
5
2
Coldworld's picture

December 14, 2020 at 12:19 pm

Tonyan was a slow receiver who was a hopeless blocker when he arrived. He could always catch. A tweener, neither a TE nor a receiver at the NFL level. A true project but with good ball skills. The rest is on him having the intelligence and work ethic to learn to block and hone his body. Evidence of a project that worked and what it takes from the player to make that happen. A lot of respect for Bob Tonyan.

He is an RFA in the off season, so we will be able to retain him, but a contract is going to happen at some point.

8 points
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PeteK's picture

December 14, 2020 at 01:27 pm

We could lose him ,but it will cost someone a high draft pick .

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 14, 2020 at 03:16 pm

We would still have the right to match if it’s a first round tender ($4.6 million in 2020 so likely similar), which I think it may well need to be. That means we should have both incentive to tie him in before March and have some leverage in negotiations. Cap limits would suggest it may be preferable to get a contract structured beforehand.

3 points
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dobber's picture

December 15, 2020 at 08:14 am

Packers will need to calculate what they think other teams are willing to give him relative to the rest of the market. I think a 2nd round tender would be enough, but you're right: they're better off tying him to a longer term contract now that they can spread out. Will likely be cheaper than what they'll pay if they tender him and then try to tie him up long-term next year. Could make him a bargain over the long haul.

0 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 14, 2020 at 05:27 pm

As a note, Aaron Jones fired his agent. An article indicated that the Packers and Jones had been unable to reach a deal with the old agent. I have no way to know whether the new agent will be more or less aggressive, or if it means Jones is looking at free agency. Could be anything.

3 points
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Bure9620's picture

December 15, 2020 at 05:50 am

Its Rosenhaus I think. This makes me guess he will try go for Kamara money...

0 points
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dobber's picture

December 15, 2020 at 08:16 am

Do you blame him? RBs tend to burn bright and flame out. If this is a move to try to get what he can, I don't blame him.

1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

December 15, 2020 at 07:09 pm

I hope Jones and Williams both get good paydays, just not in Green Bay. I think next year’s backfield will include Dillon, Ervin, Dexter Williams, and some draft pick or UDFA. All bargains. If there’s any money to spend (and I don’t think there is) it should be spent elsewhere.

0 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 16, 2020 at 04:07 am

All bargains isn't how I would put it. How about:

Not a single proven NFL level performer?

You're banking heavily on Dillon and that late second round draft status.

0 points
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Stroh's picture

December 15, 2020 at 10:46 pm

He was already playing TE when he arrived but he had just started to transform his body into that of an NFL TE. He was big enough to play TE at Indiana St, but not nearly big enough for TE in the NFL.

He had to put on good weight too. Just gaining weight wasn't going to cut it. He had to put on significant muscle mass (probably 25 lbs of pure muscle) and that takes time.

0 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 18, 2020 at 09:39 am

Tonyan was a catch WR early on and his talent was obvious to many including myself. He should have been given playing for quicker development particularly in 2018 (when the Packers were out of post-season with 3-4 games left). Graham was worthless and never was a blocker. Tonyan even then was a much better passing option, particularly with Graham having a club on one hand from a fight on sidelines with Seattle. Graham was incapable of catching anything. However, Graham was Rodgers favorite, and MM being the astute and defiant coach who lacked ability to adapt (whether at half-time with game plan, or in developing upcoming young talent) kept playing an inept Graham.

0 points
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mnbadger's picture

December 14, 2020 at 12:18 pm

Now get him signed and keep him healthy and productive. GRTG!

1 points
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Bure9620's picture

December 14, 2020 at 12:27 pm

In the NFL, Tight Ends do have a name and his name is Robert Tonyan...

1 points
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porupack's picture

December 14, 2020 at 01:25 pm

I had been wishing and vocalizing for top draft capital dedicated to the TE position for long time, seeing how versatile a position it is, and seemed the weak spot on the offense. LIke a knight in the chess array, the TE can move out wide, in the backfield, and/or slip through the front line of defense after a block, and free up WRs, RBs. I wanted a trade up for Hockensen or even Erv Smith. But seeing that Tonyan is not much off the level of Hockensen is astounding; the 8th pick of the draft vs....beyond 256th pick. I guess that is the epitomy of a 'diamond in the rough'. That was some hellava rate of return per investment. Goes to show, the round a player is drafted is still a crap shoot.

6 points
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GregC's picture

December 14, 2020 at 08:15 pm

I love that knight analogy. I hadn't thought of it that way.

2 points
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blacke00's picture

December 15, 2020 at 08:04 am

I like the "knight" analogy as well. Now, if the Packers could only understand other aspects of chess, such as controlling the 4 center squares of the board ( maintains a quality center and both guard on OL, DL and a middle LB on defense)

-1 points
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Stroh's picture

December 15, 2020 at 10:50 pm

The Knight in the Packers offense is Deguara. Tonyan and Sternbeger are TE and receiver types. Deguara is the guy who literally does a bit of everything.

0 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 18, 2020 at 09:44 am

Even more titillating is the fact the Lions drafting Hockensen in round 1 at one time had Tonyan and released him back in Dec. 2017. The Packers picked Tonyan up in Dec. of 2017. As a result, the Lions then had to use draft capital in round 1 in 2019 to select Hockensen. LOL!

TT there but wonder if Gutey had a hand in Tonyan's selection?

0 points
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PeteK's picture

December 14, 2020 at 01:29 pm

The TE position is in safe hands, and I believe Sternburger and Dequera will improve to made this position a strength for years to come.

12 points
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Bure9620's picture

December 14, 2020 at 01:42 pm

I like Deguara a lot. Tonyan is actually a RFA after the season, do the Packers pay him? And Aaron Jones?

2 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 14, 2020 at 05:32 pm

It is a no-brainer to at least tender Tonyan at whatever the 2nd round compensation number is set by the NFL, probably $3.25M or so. The Packers could then tack on additional years while keeping the cap hit in that area.

Since Sternberger has done little, and actually has seemed to regress as a blocker, keeping Tonyan is a must. They will have to find a blocking TE if Marcedes does not return.

4 points
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PeteK's picture

December 14, 2020 at 05:49 pm

Rudolph has a 4 -36 contract. However, because of the tender ,we might get Tonyan for approximately 4-30. Sternburger and Dequera will have to suffice because of cap constraints.

1 points
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ricky's picture

December 14, 2020 at 02:06 pm

Tonyan is another example of draft status not being as important as ability on the field, and dedication to becoming a better player. There are so many people who want the Packers to draft a WR in the first round, as if that is a guarantee of greatness. Yet G. Jennings, Nelson and D. Adams were second rounders who turned out just fine. Add in MVS, who went in the fifth. Or Driver, in the seventh. Luck? Or that sometimes, given a little patience (which a lot of fans lack), developing a player can be worth the time.

5 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 14, 2020 at 05:34 pm

This is all true. What we don't know is how much time GB has since AR won't play forever. It might be necessary to at least try to jumpstart the process, and that means taking a WR in the first or second rounds rather that waiting for round 4 to 6.

1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

December 14, 2020 at 08:58 pm

Seriously, TGR?

Our top four WRs....Adams, MVS, Lazard, EQ...are all under contract for next year. We are returning the #1 offense except for Jones/Williams next year. Why on Earth wouldn’t we get a better DL to pair with Clark since we only play two at a time, mostly? Or a quality CB to replace King?

We can put an elite passing offense on the field next year without adding a WR.

2 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 15, 2020 at 03:49 am

I was speaking on general principles rather than specifically. I don't think patience is proper. GB has a window. No more projects high. For 2021:

OL: good enough, not great. use a 4th on an IOL.

WR: has just enough. MVS and EQ will be in contract years (Adams as well but he is a no-brainer extension). One will leave in 2022. Takes a year for a WR to figure it out, so I am okay drafting one high. I want to be able to win in 2022 and GB will need WRs for that season. In 2022, GB will have Adams, Lazard as an RFA, and ? If MVS or even EQ blossoms, could we afford one of them?

TE: Marcedes might well retire, so Tonyan can't miss time: if he misses time, TE is a desert. Jace looks like a disappointment, but will be starting year three. Deguara isn't a TE.

RB: Not sold on Dillon. No idea if GB will have Jones/Jamaal.

DL: Still needs a run stuffer. Otherwise can get by.
ILB: Shambles. I like Martin. Barnes/Summers are ST guys.
OLB: Preston is a goner.
CB: Just enough with Jaire, King, Sullivan, maybe Hollman/Samuels.
S: Solid group. Tender Redmond.

So, I'd have no trouble with a 1st or 2nd at WR, RB, TE, DL, OLB, ILB and CB.

3 points
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dobber's picture

December 15, 2020 at 08:19 am

Good analysis. With Bakhtiari signed, they really aren't pinned to any one positional pick early. How they address their own FAs in March will tell us what they need to do...but I anticipate CB early.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 15, 2020 at 08:25 am

CB in the first two rounds depends on whether King stays. Personally, I wouldn’t look for a TE in those rounds unless Tonyan gets away (in which case extra pick if we tender 1 or 2). We need a blocker if Lewis retires. They are few and far between but also tend to be available later. Nuata, whom they just signed to the PS, could actually be a viable candidate (Daffney is more Lovett/Deguara type).

I don’t see another high round RB. I think they will look for an Aaron Jones type, fast, agile one cut. He won’t be Jones almost certainly, but will complement Dillon. Dexter Williams is probably gone. Possibly a 3rd or 4th.

We can’t rely on EQ at this point. I’d definitely expect a WR somewhere, but with 3 receivers seeming set, plus EQ, I could see that either being a one if one falls past the mid 20s, or 4th to 6th round development types.

If King departs, then a high CB pick. If not, I still expect one in the first 2 days. If P Smith departs I think Gary plays more and they seem to like Ramsey and the potential of their back ups. I don’t see that being a high priority. When they do pick one up, I think it’s likely to be a cover focus. Not replacing Fackrell has proved unwise.

That leaves DL and Hybrid ILB. The question is will Pettine be DC? If not, that could change priorities heavily. If not, will Pettine even play a big DL meaningfully? No point in a high draft pick if Pettine doesn’t want him. If Pettine stays I don’t see an early DL pick happening. Instead I think the glaring hole is Greene’s position. We need a backup at least and viable depth as well as potential upgrade and future considerations.

If Pettine goes, I could see ILB and DL being the first 2 picks. Those are the positions that a single player could provide the greatest uplift. I think the wild card is who is available at WR. After those 3 positions, likely RB and CB. I could see us not drafting an O lineman at all this year.

3 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 16, 2020 at 04:33 am

I don't see a sentence that I can even nitpick save one. GB should have three comp picks which probably will be one 4th, one 5th and one 6th rounder, roughly. With 10 draft picks, Gute should draft an OL. Maybe you're right and he passes on OL altogether, or maybe the right OL isn't available at the right place.

0 points
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Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

December 15, 2020 at 08:28 am

Remember, it’s really hard to draft immediate difference-makers in the 32 position...

2 points
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dobber's picture

December 15, 2020 at 08:40 pm

Winner!

0 points
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Bure9620's picture

December 15, 2020 at 04:51 am

If a WR is on the board at that point and is BPA, yes. But the Packers are the #1 scoring offense in the league. And that is with Lazard missing time. They have bigger needs than WR. DL, Corner (if King walks), maybe speedy RB if both Jones and Williams walk.

0 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 18, 2020 at 09:49 am

Reynoldo,
Good point!

While the Packers do not need a WR right now as bad as they do a big NT, or a RT I do think they need to somehow pickup a top-notch WR prior to say when Love allegedly takes over the helm. By the time Love takes over Adams will be somewhat long in the tooth and they will want to help Love succeed by getting a quality WR.

0 points
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PeteK's picture

December 14, 2020 at 06:05 pm

True, hard to predict the future. I was all for signing Hooper, which would have been a 4-42mill hit on the cap.

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

December 14, 2020 at 02:08 pm

Against the Lions, there was a play where Tonyan threw his guy at another guy, and they both fell over and then knocked another Lion over with them. He took out three guys on that play.

8 points
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Leatherhead's picture

December 14, 2020 at 02:08 pm

Against the Lions, there was a play where Tonyan threw his guy at another guy, and they both fell over and then knocked another Lion over with them. He took out three guys on that play.

2 points
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NitschkeFan's picture

December 14, 2020 at 03:57 pm

That was a fun play, a real LOL moment. Even the broadcasters mentioned something to the effect that it looked like dominoes falling over one after another. A nice hard shove by Tonyan leads to three guys going down.

But while I like Big Bob's development, let's not plan his HOF induction yet. Yes he has been having some reasonably good games but (so far) I don't think opposing defenses are too focused on stopping him. And overall his run blocking has been mediocre. Easy on the cool-aid everyone. People on this thread are comparing him to some all time great TE's. Very premature.

I admit that too many posters are just trolls and see only the negative aspects of the roster, so maybe I should shut up and enjoy the happy enthusiasm of the Tonyan fans today.

4 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 14, 2020 at 05:40 pm

Yeah, I agree. I saw one poster suggest $10M AAV. IDK about that yet. I was thinking somewhere in the $7M to $9M range depending on structure with $3M cap for 2021 tacked on. So, something like 4 years, $32M plus the RFA year at $3M for a total of 5 years and $35M.

Tonyan is still a bit of a one-year wonder though I think we all see the steady progression, so I feel comfortable signing him long-term.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 15, 2020 at 08:41 am

Tonyan has had health issues. I think he’s achieved enough his year and looked good enough that another team may offer him a contract. I don’t see his healthy issues as predicative of future issues. If others agree, despite his relatively brief flowering, he is an attractive option. I’d tender a one. I’d then look to leverage that sub 5 million probably into a long term incentive laden contract.

Is Tonyan 2020 worth a 2nd round pick? I’d say yes based upon what he has done this year. He is only 26. I could see us being faced with a big contract if we tender a 2. Could we replace him in 2021 with a 2nd round pick? I highly doubt it. If we want to win in the short term, TE is a role where early results are rare indeed.

He is worth a first round tender. Depending on who offers (and where they pick) then one has a question of can we replace his value with a great TE (I don’t see one this year, but no draftnik) or by getting a premium WR?. In both cases I think the results in 2021 will be less than Tonyan has delivered this year. For that reason I believe we tender a one and sign him long term (if it gets to that point).

0 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 16, 2020 at 04:52 am

TBH, tendering at the first round level simply hadn't occurred to me. Now that you brought it up, it makes a good deal of sense. 2020 tenders were $4.6M for a 1st and $3.26M for a 2nd, so they might be a tad higher in 2021.

Since the idea is to make a long term deal, the $4.6M probably works pretty well. $8M signing bonus ($1.6M proration), $920K, $500K workout, $600K Game-Active Roster = a $3.62M cap number for 2021, probably plus some incentives.

They can always reach a long-term deal and rip up the tender.

0 points
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Philarod's picture

December 14, 2020 at 03:45 pm

As great as Rodgers has been, I have often wondered what he could have done with a good, consistent tight end - -- let alone a Gonzalez, Gronk, Gates, Witten or Kittle. We're finally seeing a glimpse of it.

4 points
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FAN24583's picture

December 15, 2020 at 06:51 pm

Me too!! Remember we passed up Greg Olsen for Justin Harrell.

1 points
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Packer_Fan's picture

December 14, 2020 at 03:57 pm

I think the key here, which did not happen in the last few years of McCarthy's tenure, is that players are being developed. On offense, it is not just Tonyan, buy Lazard, even MVS, Patrick and to some degree, Turner. And Jenkins is a stud! On defense, players like Gary, Savage, Keke, and Sullivan are ascending which didn't happen with McCarthy. They haven't all arrived, but they are improving.

Just think, Rodgers is having a very similar year as compared to his MVP season in 2011. Yet he doesn't have the great receiving core. Just goes to show how having a good scheme and execution does. Go Pack!

6 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 18, 2020 at 09:52 am

Packer Fan.....awesome analysis and very true!

MM just was incapable of both recognizing and developing young players with potential.

0 points
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GregC's picture

December 14, 2020 at 08:21 pm

Every time Tonyan catches a pass, I give thanks that Jimmy Graham is gone. Graham is a good guy, but he was so over-the-hill last season that he was just getting in the way of everyone else. (As a bonus, the Bears signed Graham to a huge contract this year.)

I have yet to be sold on the significance of "catch rate" as a stat, but the high catch rate for Tonyan must be a product of the fact that he is usually WIDE OPEN when the ball is thrown to him. There is no other player in this offense who is being schemed open as effectively as Tonyan. It helps that he has good speed and good hands for a TE. But it also helps that he is not having to make contested catches, leaping catches, or diving catches.

5 points
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Tommyz51's picture

December 14, 2020 at 08:37 pm

I like what I've seen from this young man. He certainly has put in the work and modeled his game to rival the best TEs in the game. With what Kittle got paid, Tonya should be looking for a decent payday! Both Kelce and Kittle have shown how much impact TEs can have in each and every game. I like his attitude and work ethic. It's time for Green Bay to step up and show him they value his contribution to another winning season. If I were a betting man, I wouldn't say Green Bay is going to win a superbowl this year however setting up pieces around Rodgers to help him in the end of his prime is a good way to start. Tonya has heart and he is fun to watch. I'm afraid NFC is a little weaker than AFC this year. Any given sunday, though...

1 points
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canadapacker's picture

December 14, 2020 at 09:51 pm

Big Bob is definitely a keeper - and he will get paid. He is learning his craft and is developing into a clutch type of receiver. But is he a Kelce or a Kittle or an Ertz - no because he doesnt break the tackles. However he is blocking well and he gets open and he almost always catches the ball - he has had to make some diving catches early in the season. I think that Sternberger has regressed and now with the talent that Deguara has Sternie had better learn to play better on special teams. Actually when we have both Bob and the big but old dog on the field - I think that we play quite well especially in the red zone.

3 points
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Philarod's picture

December 15, 2020 at 07:20 am

Agreed, with one minor disagreement.
As an Eagles - and Packers - fan, Ertz simply wasn't, and isn't, in the class of Kelce or Kittle. He's a talented pass catcher, but has never been a very good blocker or someone who breaks many tackles. Keep an eye on Dallas Goedert, though.

0 points
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NickPerry's picture

December 15, 2020 at 07:36 am

I love what Pete K said, "The TE position is in safe hands, and I believe Sternberger and Degura will improve to made this position a strength for years to come."

I STILL think Jace Stenberger is going to be one hell of a TE and I don't think it's too far off. What little I saw of Degura has me excited too.

I think you have to give a lot of credit to Justin Outten, the Packers TE coach too.

2 points
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blacke00's picture

December 15, 2020 at 08:05 am

Ditto

0 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 18, 2020 at 09:56 am

Nick, pay attention to how many concussions Jace has already had. By my count at least 2 (remember the training camp scrimmage with the Raiders last year). This may become a significant issue for young Jace being only in year 2. Hopefully not!

0 points
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SugarCain's picture

December 15, 2020 at 09:28 am

Dan Orlovsky on GET UP made some great points that Matt Lafluer does a great job “Scheming” guys open. Aaron Rodgers says this offense finds roles for guys. Neither happened in the past with McCarthy. Tonyan is wide ass open all the time!

0 points
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meatstyk's picture

December 15, 2020 at 04:25 pm

I’m sorry, but you just don’t pay big bucks for most rbs. They burn out way too fast

1 points
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CoachDino's picture

December 16, 2020 at 09:55 am

So Tonyan took 4 years to develop and was delayed by injuries. Sound like another TE on the roster? Don't sleep on Jace,, Deguara is going to take some snaps as well. If there's a win/win deal to be made with Tonyan, Great, but he shouldn't be looking for a big payday quite yet un GB.

Remember, he plays on the #1 offense in the league playing with the #1 receiver. and QB He has shown he can be an effective role player. That said it only takes one team to be willing to pay him, just like Jones, Jamal, King, Lindsy. He gets paid by the Packers it may mean one more of these guys is gone.

CB is usually a 1st rd maybe 2nd to grab the 2nd tiet guys who may be able to start year 1.. They go very fast.
What if Bolton or Collins are available ILB??
Put off OT? Is the RT after Turner on this Roster?
DLine? Probably grab a one dimensional run stuffer or Sun stuffer with Potential ti become a PR in the 4rd.
Maybe some Hybrid Safeties?
Slot Corner as well? Sullivans not the answer.
I'd love to see them grab a wr/rb who is a great gadget prospect.
How about a Tier 2 nasty center? no later than 4th.

A lot depends on what the Packers think of some of their prospects and practice squad guys
Nijon? the OT
Is PAtrick a keeper?
Do they want Elkins to play center?
Hollman, Jackson.
Samuel and Scott?

There isn't a #1 WR being developed right now? I may of been a supporter of going with the WRs we had but I'm not under any impression there's a Big time rec in the bunch.

What about edge? If Preston is cut is a quality 3rd olb on the roster?

Oh and when is the right time to wrap up Jaire - now that's going to be a pay day.

Tight on cap space, possible 2021 reduction in cap. The Packers are going to have some tough decisions to make.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 18, 2020 at 09:32 am

From the very beginning I was a believer of Tonyan. So very glad the Graham debacle is finally behind us. Rodgers said he always saw Tonyan's potential. However, Rodgers was a good friend of Graham and Graham kept getting playing time and the ball repeatedly thrown to him.

McCarthy was not a good coach IMO (unable to recognize talent and unwilling to develop talent and consistently held players back for older beat up players) and one of the examples was during the 2018 season. The fact the Cowboys reportedly are considering firing him does not surprise me. The Packers were out of post-season contention with 3 or 4 games left. Graham no longer had the ability to run, break, or jump. To make matters worse he had broken his thumb/hand fighting with a Seattle player along sidelines. On his hand he had a big club and Graham was trying to catch literally with one-hand when even catching with two-hands seemed less likely than even MVS on a deep pass. MM kept playing Graham throughout the end of the season with the club and broken hand and would not play and develop Tonyan. This was at the same time MM kept playing Rodgers when the Packers should have been developing Tim Boyle. What happens? Rodgers gets a significant concussion in one of the games (Detroit) adding unnecessarily to several others he has accumulated over the years.

Tonyan will continue to improve and between him and Jace the Packers are set at TE for quite some time.

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