Without a question, one of the biggest needs heading in to the 2023 NFL Draft for the Green Bay Packers, was Tight End. After both Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis departed, the Packers were left with two Tight Ends that only have a combined 47 total career receptions in six combined seasons. These two are Josiah Deguara and Tyler Davis. Deguara holds 39 of those 47 catches and is certainly the most experienced. In the draft the Packers picked up two promising young Tight Ends on Day Two. With Deguara being the most experienced, but not by much, could he lose out his chances to have a breakout season to the young rookies?
Josiah Deguara has been basically a lost weapon since his selection in the third round of the 2020 Draft. He basically lost his entire rookie season to a torn ACL. Since this he has seen snaps in every game but very little targets from former starting QB Aaron Rodgers. Oddly enough, a lot of his production has come from new starting QB Jordan Love. This included a 62-yard touchdown off a screen pass in the regular season finale in 2021. If Love seems to have a connection with Deguara, could he have a breakout season with Love now calling the shots?
Love Could Change Deguara’s Career
Without question, Josiah Deguara isn’t a traditional tight end. Even when he was drafted, he was called an “H back.” This kind of makes him a fullback/tight end hybrid. He can line up in the backfield, on the line of scrimmage, or even in a wide out position. His versatility can make him a mismatch out of the backfield, and it appears Jordan Love is ready to take advantage.
Aaron Rodgers is very much a West Coast offense type of Quarterback. Putting tight ends or running backs in motion right before the snap, or rolling out to complete a quick pass, isn’t exactly his style. Jordan Love, however, can play to that offense. The true Matt LaFleur offense.
Matt LaFleur’s offense is all about scheming players open. One of those players is definitely an H-back type-role. While Aaron Rodgers wasn’t as keen to target this role, Jordan Love definitely seems like he is. While yes, these are short passes, the main goal of these passes is to create yards after the catch. Deguara is a great option as in his college days he was known for his ability to create yards after the catch. In the NFL as well in his small exposure he’s created YAC.
It also doesn’t hurt that Love and Deguara seem to have a very good friendship.
The Bond is Strong
Above is a picture of the Packers contingent from Josiah Deguara’s spring wedding. Of course, you can see Jordan Love present. Deguara and Love definitely have a good friendship.
As we learned with Aaron Rodgers, he liked to mainly targe the ones he trusted. This may be the case with Jordan Love as well, even though hopefully not on the same higher level as Rodgers. Obviously though, there is a trust level between Quarterback and Receiver, and that seems to exist between Love and Deguara.
The rookie receivers may be very exciting and could be big targets this season. But I believe this year Josiah Deguara could be far more productive than he has been in years past.
This year could be a do or die as well for Deguara being a contract year. With Love catering far more than Aaron Rodgers to the true Matt LaFleur offense, we might finally see what Josiah Deguara is capable of. Hopefully so, as I’ve been pulling for Deguara his whole career, and I’m ready to see him get his opportunity to shine.
More must-reads: