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2019 NFL Draft: Green Bay Packers first-round targets

By Jacob Schyvinck

BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 13: T.J. Hockenson #38 of the Iowa Hawkeyes catches a touchdown pass against the Indiana Hossiers at Memorial Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 13: T.J. Hockenson #38 of the Iowa Hawkeyes catches a touchdown pass against the Indiana Hossiers at Memorial Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 24: Tight end Noah Fant #87 of the Iowa Hawkeyes signals against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 24: Tight end Noah Fant #87 of the Iowa Hawkeyes signals against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

Tight End

It can be argued that tight end is Green Bay’s biggest need in the upcoming draft (safety being the other). The Packers signed Jimmy Graham last offseason, and while he didn’t have an awful 2018 campaign, he isn’t what he used to be as far as his athleticism goes, not to mention he is absent as a blocker.

Marcedes Lewis was brought back on a one year deal, but he is mostly a blocking tight end at this point in his career. A difference maker is needed.

If the Packers want an elite tight end in the draft, they will likely need to pull the trigger at 12 overall. Either Noah Fant or T.J. Hockenson out of Iowa would be very good selections for Green Bay at pick 12.

Hockenson is a well-rounded tight end that mirrors George Kittle quite a bit. He’s an excellent in-line blocker and has the gear and fluidity to get open down the field.

Fant would be the other tight end to consider at 12. His game mirrors Jimmy Graham in many ways. He stretches the field extremely well as a receiver, and his big frame offers great value as a red zone target. Fant is also better blocker than advertised, consistently holding his own at the point of attack.

At 30, there aren’t too many options to consider. If Hockenson or Fant fell to them, the Packers would jump at the chance. It’s possible Irv Smith Jr. could garner some interest, but he isn’t big and projects more as an H-back.

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