Matt LaFleur often called Allen Lazard the “goon” of his Green Bay Packers offense. Now that Lazard is in New York with Aaron Rodgers, LaFleur needs a new enforcer at the wide receiver position.
Undrafted rookie Malik Heath submitted his application with video evidence during Friday’s preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. On a quarterback keeper play, Heath blocked a Bengals cornerback completely out of bounds and eventually drew a penalty.
It was the definition of a “goon” play.
“They are looking for a goon, so I’m going to try and fill that role,” Heath said Sunday. “I’m going to try to do anything to make this team.”
Here’s the All-22 view of the play, via Ben Fennell:
Malik Heath! Let's go!!
Love this type of effort and intensity from a young WR! That's how you make a roster pic.twitter.com/eCacWoA2Km
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) August 12, 2023
Heath, who also caught three passes, said the block was one of the “most exciting” plays of his football career. The entire Packers sideline erupted as Heath drove the cornerback out of bounds, opening the backside for Sean Clifford to race for a big gain. The penalty tacked on 15 more yards, and the Packers finished the drive with a touchdown.
The block was the perfect example of the type of play style the Packers want in the run game.
In fact, LaFleur said blocking at the wide receiver position is an “important” part of the Packers offense even if it’s “not always the sexy thing to do” for a pass-catcher. It’s tough work that gets noticed by the coaching staff and can help a young, undrafted player find a role on a roster.
The 6-2, 213-pound Heath said he embraces blocking and the physical side of the game. He got experience blocking in the run game at Ole Miss and is ready to do more of it for LaFleur in Green Bay.
Assuming the Packers keep six receivers, it’s possible Heath is currently the front runner to be the sixth receiver on the 53-man roster. He was impressive during the offseason workout program, made catch after catch during training camp practices and now has an excellent preseason debut on tape.
