The Green Bay Packers made the decision to release veteran tight end Jimmy Graham ahead of the start of NFL free agency. Just two short offseasons ago, the Packers were thought to have made a major splash when they signed Graham to a three-year, $30 million contract. Things didn’t work out the way the two sides expected.
Brian Gutekunst was rumored to be planning a run at free agent Austin Hooper, but that didn’t end up happening. So far, the Packers haven’t found a replacement.
Granted, the Packers did draft Jace Sternberger in the NFL Draft last year. They could look to him to be their starter with Marcedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan as his backups. Or, they could look at the 2020 NFL Draft for another tight end.
CBS Sports sees the Packers drafting a replacement for Graham in the third round of the draft this year. They have projected Green Bay to take Washington tight end Hunter Bryant.
The Packers parted ways with Jimmy Graham, and Bryant can come in and compete with Jace Sternberger for playing time while strengthening the depth at the position.
Bryant would certainly be an intriguing addition to a Packers offense that loves utilizing tight ends. Matt LaFleur would likely love to have two young talents like Sternberger and Bryant at the position.
During the 2019 season with the Huskies, Bryant ended up catching 52 passes for 825 yards and three touchdowns. At 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, Bryant is a bit undersized, but he would bring a vertical threat that the Packers could use.
NFL.com currently has compared Bryant to former Washington Redskins star tight end Jordan Reed. That is a very favorable comparison.
Expect to see the Packers look into the tight end class in the 2020 NFL Draft. Bryant would be a legitimate pick in the third round if he is available. Green Bay should strongly consider this option.
