Green Bay Packers

Patience Must Prevail For Tyler Davis

Photo Credit: Mark Hoffman - USA TODAY Sports via Journal-Sentinel

Preseason football is our chance to see which players have and haven’t lived up to their training camp hype. It’s not hard for a player to look good in shorts or practice. The first real test is against opposing NFL competition.

So far, tight end Tyler Davis has not lived up to the hype for the Green Bay Packers.

Despite the concerning state of the tight end room, Brian Gutekunst neglected to draft anyone to fill that hole this spring. Statements from the general manager and head coach Matt LaFleur suggested Davis, a former sixth-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, could take a big leap and become a hidden gem down the road.

That hasn’t manifested after two preseason games, though. Davis was the worst-graded Packer by PFF in both preseason games, and he hasn’t passed the eye test either. But the team’s roster decisions and statements by LaFleur suggest they believe in Davis’ potential despite the hiccups. For now, patience must persevere, and Davis will get every opportunity to develop for Green Bay.

Davis not only struggled as both a blocker and a receiver against the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints; he was an absolute liability. Jordan Love‘s first interception against San Francisco was on a very catchable pass that bounced off Davis’ hands. Davis’ woes continued the following week, with an unfortunate fumble and a holding penalty that cost the Packers a 17-yard gain.

The big moments were the most noticeable, but Davis kept making small mistakes that led to maladroit performances.

While the wide receivers have rightfully drawn their fair share of scrutiny this offseason, the tight end group might be even more questionable. It begins with Robert Tonyan, who recently left the PUP list. Tonyan hasn’t been a regular in team activities yet but appears to be progressing nicely from his torn ACL. There’s a real chance Big Bob could start in Week 1, giving Aaron Rodgers a pair of reliable hands to boost the offense.

Otherwise, LaFleur’s offense will rely on a combination of Marcedes Lewis, Josiah Deguara, and Davis. The venerable Lewis is still the best blocking tight end in the league and has an underrated presence in the passing game, but LaFleur has been careful with his usage. Deguara appears to be trending in the right direction entering Year 3, but the former Bearcat has a lot to prove.

That means Davis is part of the group and will need to make the most of those snaps, whether he’s ready or not. Based on his usage and the accommodating roster moves, Davis is TE4 on the depth chart.

Green Bay surprisingly released TE Dominique Dafney earlier this month; the two parties reached an injury settlement on Monday. Dafney appeared to be carving a role as an H-back in the offense. He had played in 15 games over the past two seasons, but he struggled with injuries this offseason. He’ll get his chance elsewhere, but Davis was the team’s higher priority.

Alize Mack is gaining on Davis and saw his snaps increase in the second preseason game. He remains Davis’ stiffest competition at TE4, but he hasn’t overtaken Davis on the depth chart. Thursday’s game will be a big test for both tight ends.

Davis’ special teams abilities may be his best chance to maintain his position. Special team coordinator Rich Bisaccia was one of the first coaches to highlight Davis as a player to watch. If he can do well there, he stands a good chance of making the 53-man roster. However, if the Packers aren’t confident with any potential TE4, they could keep three on the roster and use the practice squad elevator rules to call up Davis (or Mack) as needed for depth.

Regardless of how things ultimately play out, LaFleur still believes Davis has a bright future with the team.

“We still have a lot of confidence in Tyler,” LaFleur said. “I know he was disappointed in the fumble and the holding penalty, but he’s done a lot of good things, too…he’s done a good job in a lot of aspects. It’s not just in the games, but in practices as well.”

And Davis responded by having his best practice the following day. He caught touchdown passes from Rodgers and Jordan Love and looked much more confident as a receiver and a blocker.

“It was good, just to be able to go out there and make plays,” Davis said. “I feel like I just had fun out there. That was the big thing for me today. Just had a ball out there, got a great backbone here with the teammates – Aaron, No. 1, being the guy that’s just so supportive all the time for me, and just was excited to make some plays.”

Davis also cited the veteran tight ends around him encouraging him and helping him bounce back.

Right now, Davis is a project player. We won’t know if he’ll evolve into a meaningful part of the offense or be another over-hyped recruit who fizzles out. But it’s clear the front office, coaches, and fellow tight ends think Davis can be a factor. His offseason has left much to be desired, but it’s too early to call the project a failure. We’ll have to be patient in the meantime.

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