Marcedes Lewis would help fill blocking void in Packers offense
The Green Bay Packers are looking to add another tight end, preferably one who will be able to provide a skillset that the current group lacks.
According to Tom Silverstein, Green Bay Packers beat reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Packers are interested in veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis.
Lewis, who will be entering his 13th year in the NFL, was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars in March. The 33-year-old was a former first-round draft pick in 2006, courtesy of the Jaguars. During his tenure in Jacksonville, he played in 170 games, third most in franchise history and caught 375 receptions, also third most in franchise history.
Despite only catching 24 passes this past season, he hauled in five scores, the second most of his career. Lewis’ productivity on offense has declined, but the Green Bay Packers do not need him to catch passes.
Earlier in the offseason, the Packers signed Jimmy Graham to a three-year contract worth $30 million and includes $11 million in guaranteed money. Last season he led tight ends with 10 receiving touchdowns, which was the fourth time he finished a season with 10+ touchdowns.
The five-time pro bowl tight end will be catching a significant amount of passes from Aaron Rodgers, but he won’t be protecting him or opening up holes for the running backs consistently. That’s where the addition of Lewis comes into play.
If the Packers sign Lewis, he would be a tremendous upgrade to their blocking scheme, something they lack with Graham and Lance Kendricks. He is arguably considered one of the top blocking tight ends in the league and there are statistics to prove it.
According to Pro Football Focus, Lewis was the top graded run blocker among tight ends last season. As Zach Kruse pointed out, it wasn’t a small sample size, Lewis was involved in 517 run-blocking snaps.
Packers' target Marcedes Lewis was the top graded run blocker among tight ends last season according to @PFF. Wasn't over a small sample size, either. 517 run-blocking snaps. Could be ideal complement at TE.
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) May 23, 2018
Throughout his years, he has helped create space for running backs like Fred Taylor, Maurice Jones-Drew and Leonard Fournette. The addition of Lewis would help create the perfect balance of production and protection among the current tight end group.
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Although Lewis would primarily be used for blocking, his size (6-6, 255 lbs) and strength makes him a matchup nightmare in the red zone. Adding Lewis would create more opportunities for an already potent Packers offense.