Even after impressive rookie season, Packers' tight end will fight for a bigger role

We will evaluate every Green Bay Packers rookie in 2023. Draft picks, undrafted free agents, players acquired through other avenues.

Luke Musgrave

Overview

It’s rare for tight ends to have immediate impact in the NFL as rookies. After all, they have to learn basically every phase of the offense, and their development takes time.

But Musgrave’s impact on the Packers couldn’t have been more immediate. When the team let Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis walk in free agency to sign with the Chicago Bears, the approach was obvious, let the young kids learn through their mistakes.

Musgrave ended up being a starter from day 1. Not only from week 1, but since OTAs, through training camp. Sure, he has had growing pains, but for the most part he had a strong rookie season.

The second-rounder, 42nd overall pick, just didn’t break the franchise’s rookie record for receiving yards among tight ends because a lacerated kidney made him miss six games. Even so, he finished the year 11 yards away from Bubba Franks’ record, from 2000.

Snap counts and stats

• 42.70% offensive snaps, 16.32% special teams snaps
• 34 receptions, 352 yards, 1 touchdown, 105.0 passer rating when targeted

PFF grades

• Offensive grade: 63.7
• Receiving grade: 64.2
• Drop grade: 79.4
• Pass block grade: 45.7

Big plays

Musgrave’s first big play in the NFL was a perfect showing of what he’s good at (speed, getting open) and what he has to improve on (ability to stay on his feet to gain extra yards). Against the Chicago Bears in week 1, he was wide open on a leak play, but the balance wasn’t ideal.