Packers' future at tight end starts with Marcedes Lewis

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That appreciation was obvious when the Packers scripted a goal-line package specifically for Lewis against the New York Giants last December. With Aaron Rodgers barking out "Big Dog," Lewis bodied up his defender off play-action and hauled in his first TD as a member of the Packers in a 31-13 blowout win.


"I still think he is playing at an extremely high level," said LaFleur recently. "I think he's one of the best blocking tight ends in the National Football League. And then when given the opportunity in the pass game, he produces for us. I know we didn't target him a bunch but he made some critical plays throughout the course of the season.


"You can never have enough guys like Marcedes Lewis on your football team."


This year, Lewis' job description will change to a small degree. Lewis again will be tasked with leading his position room but he'll do so without veteran Jimmy Graham alongside him after the Packers released Graham in early March.


Over the past few months, it's been up to Lewis to provide guidance for arguably the most potential-rich, albeit young, position room on the roster. Third-year veteran Robert Tonyan, and recent third-round picks Jace Sternberger and Josiah Deguara combine for only 38 NFL games played (including playoffs).


Tonyan, the former Indiana State receiver, made a successful transition to tight end and has earned a place on the Packers' active roster in each of the past two seasons. He appeared on the verge of a breakout prior to a hip injury sustained on a 23-yard catch against Dallas last October that hampered him for the remainder of the year.


Tonyan's injury came while the Packers were still without Sternberger, a third-round pick out of Texas A&M who missed the first half of 2019 due to the ankle injury suffered in the Packers' preseason finale against Kansas City.


Sternberger saw limited action in seven regular-season games after being activated from injured reserve in November but impressed the coaches with his versatility and blocking prowess.


The 6-foot-4, 251-pound tight end caught both his first NFL pass and touchdown in the NFC Championship Game against San Francisco. After the season, Lewis praised Sternberger for his potential and also his willingness to mix it up.