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Jimmy Graham and Marcedes Lewis are the Green Bay Packers’ tight ends of the present, but both are near the end of their careers. Luckily for the Packers, they know it and are preparing the team for the future.
Despite taking Jace Sternberger in the third round of April’s draft, it has been Robert “Big Bob” Tonyan who has been the standout tight end of training camp heading into tonight’s preseason opener. Signed in 2017 after the undrafted free agent was released by the Detroit Lions, Tonyan spent the final four games of 2017 on Green Bay’s practice squad before appearing in nine games last season.
Tonyan was on fan’s radar even last training camp thanks to his size, but he exploded onto the scene with a beautiful 54-yard touchdown reception against the Seattle Seahawks that cemented his place on the Packers’ roster.
Looking to prove he’s more than a one play wonder, Tonyan continues to impress in camp and it looks like Green Bay might really be set for the future at the position with both himself and Sternberger. Tonyan has said he wants to emulate Graham in the passing game and Lewis in the run game.
He couldn’t have two better mentors as both have taken Tonyan under their wing, which is often not an easy thing for veterans to do. We’ll see how much they’ve rubbed off on Tonyan as he is sure to see plenty of action against the Texans tonight.
Now onto today’s curds.
Jimmy Graham making his mark on Robert Tonyan—Packers.com
Graham is looking to have a strong rebound himself this season, but he needs to be recognized for taking the time to work with what could be his replacement and the same goes for Lewis. That leadership will serve the team well this year under a rookie head coach.
5 things: Packers look to improve 2-minute offense vs. Texans—PackersNews.com
The Packers finally embark on a new era in tonight’s preseason opener as fans finally get a true look at Matt LaFleur’s offense and the reloaded defense. Starters will likely see minimal playing time, which means plenty of chances for guys on the bubble to prove themselves.
What Texans want to see vs. Packers—Houston Chronicle
On the opposing side, the Texans will be fiving former Vikings quarterback Joe Webb a lot of work which should bring back fond memories to Packers fans.
Packers rookie Darrius Shepherd standing out to Matt LaFleur, Aaron Rodgers—Packers Wire
Another undrafted free agent is turning heads at camp and Darrius Shepherd is turning the most important ones in LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers. He will be one to watch tonight.
Scientist bakes bread from 4,500-year-old yeast, says it’s delicious—CNET
Getting that bread to rise might be the yeast of that scientist’s problems. I’d say he should open a bakery but I’m not sure he can raise the dough