With just six selections made during the 2026 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers couldn’t check everything off the wishlist. The board didn’t fall their way for that particular need. Instead, the Packers looked to the waiver wire and claimed former Houston Texans tight end Luke Lachey, a 2025 seventh-round selection.
The tight end group could use some depth after the draft, specifically a blocking specialist.
“If there was one thing coming out of this draft was to have a wide tight end body,” Brian Gutekunst said after the draft. “We weren’t able to accomplish that; there’s not a ton of those guys coming out of college. Not a lot of places that use them.”
The former Hawkeye spent his rookie season on Houston’s practice squad and will now compete for a roster spot.
While Tucker Kraft played at an All-Pro level last season, he may not be 100% by Week 1. Beyond him, Luke Musgrave and Josh Whyle are the presumed No. 2 and 3, with a smattering of other players competing for a spot. What does Luke Lachey bring to the table, and can we make a must for the roster?
Matt LaFleur has longed for a powerful blocking tight end since Marcedes Lewis left Green Bay. Tucker Kraft provided that presence, but so much more. With his grit, yards after catch ability, and blocking skills, Kraft has the potential to be one of the league’s best tight ends for years to come.
He was well on his way to proving it before tearing his ACL in early November. That left a void at tight end in general, but particularly for a blocking specialist. That led to an increase in six-offensive-linemen sets, with tackle Darian Kinnard at “tight end.”
Ideally, Kraft’s recovery goes well, and he returns to his usual, menacing self. Until then, there’s room for an extra tight end on the roster. And even when Kraft returns, a blocking specialist can allow LaFleur more flexibility with his offense.
It’s a prove-it year for Kraft’s draftmate, Luke Musgrave, but Musgrave was always more of a receiving specialist. Josh Whyle showed some nice things as a balanced tight end. Then again, he isn’t quite a blocking specialist.
When Kraft went down, John FitzPatrick was the best blocker on the roster. Still, a late-season Achilles injury means he’ll be out of commission for a while.
This is the perfect time for Lachey to make the most of a change of scenery and find a role with Green Bay.
Iowa has become Tight End U recently, and Lachey had a promising collegiate career, totaling 893 yards and 4 touchdowns over 42 games.
Per the 2025 CheeseheadTV NFL Draft Guide, where Lachey was ranked their 13th tight end, “Lachey is a perfect late swing on an athletic tight end who should be able to contribute on special teams right away.”
While he needed to build NFL-level strength, blocking is one of Lachey’s best skills and one he’s most proud of.
“If you can’t block, you can’t play,” Lachey said at the 2025 Shrine Bowl.
“Coming from Iowa, we are a very run-heavy team, and I love to block. That’s the first thing that you gotta be able to do. If you’re a tight end, they’re probably not gonna put you on the field very much if you can’t block, so that’s kind of what I take pride in.”
At 6’6”, 251 lbs., Lachey certainly has the size to be an impact blocker. And blocking runs in his blood. His father, Jim, was a three-time First-Team All-Pro offensive lineman and a member of the celebrated “Hogs” in Washington.
“My dad always taught me to be the hardest worker on the field and do whatever you can to stand out,” Lachey said of his father. “He also taught me that this is a job and people are trying to take your job, so you have to work hard if you want to keep it.”
Luke Lachey will need to compete with Drake Dabney, Messiah Swinson, and UDFA RJ Maryland for a spot on the roster. A passion for blocking always helps, and if Lachey can find a role on special teams, all the better.
There’s an immediate need for a blocking tight end this season, and the future is also wide open. A strong summer while Kraft works his way back to optimal strength could be the showing this promising waiver claim needs to stick on an NFL roster.
