Packers’ Rookie Set to Break 23-Year Old Record

The Green Bay Packers were very deliberate this offseason with their tight end corps, which needed a full overhaul. They released Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis, both of whom signed with the Chicago Bears. Green Bay also used two Day 2 draft selections to secure Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft at the position.

The second-round pick, in particular, has a great chance to have an immediate — and maybe historic impact. When it comes to rookie tight ends, teams are usually wary. Except for quarterback, this is likely the most difficult transfer from college to the NFL. Young tight ends must master routes and principles, as well as in-line defenses and run-blocking.

It’s a diverse and demanding position. Because of this, only two tight ends in NFL history have eclipsed 1,000 yards in their first seasons: Mike Ditka (1,076) for the Chicago Bears in 1961 and Kyle Pitts (1,026) for the Atlanta Falcons in 2021. As a rookie, no other tight end had more than 900 yards.

Musgrave, on the other hand, has a real chance to be a substantial player right away, and there’s reason to believe he’ll break Packers records at the position. Only one rookie tight end in Packers history has eclipsed 300 receiving yards: Bubba Franks (363) in 2000.

Others who got past 200 yards were Andrew Quarless (238 yards) in 2010 and Richard Rodgers (225 yards) in 2014. If Musgrave can remain healthy, he will have the opportunity to top all these players. NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein compared Musgrave to Dallas Goedert. “Musgrave has starter potential,” he wrote, “and should gain a coveted slot on draft boards from teams looking to add versatility to their 12-personnel.”

According to Damian Parson from The Draft Network, there’s a series of reasons to like the new Packers tight end as a passing option.

“Musgrave brings a big, athletic option in the passing game to an offense. Musgrave is alignment-fluid and versatile. If your offense wants to place him in-line as a traditional Y-tight end or split him into the slot, he can operate both well. As a pass-catcher, Musgrave has secure and reliable hands. He tracks the ball well and attacks it at the highest point”.