The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL draft.
With Aaron Rodgers on his way to the Big Apple at some point in the near future, the end of the Marcedes Lewis era is also probably arriving at 1265 Lombardi Avenue. Fellow tight end Robert Tonyan just signed with the Chicago Bears.
That leaves Josiah Deguara and Tyler Davis as the two tight ends that saw playing time last season. Expect Brian Gutekunst to add a tight end or two in the 2023 NFL Draft.
A player that Gutekunst could target on day three of the upcoming NFL Draft is Josh Whyle. The Cincinnati tight end checks in at No. 49 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.
A three-star recruit, Whyle hauled in 28 receptions for 353 yards and six touchdowns in 2020. The following season, Whyle caught 26 passes for 332 yards and six touchdowns. This past season Whyle caught 32 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns.
Cincinnati TE Josh Whyle might’ve come out last year if it weren’t for foot injury at end of CFP semi-final vs. Alabama. Returning for fifth year will allow @JoshWhyle81 to focus on adding bulk & strength. Toughness isn’t an issue. Whyle has plenty as receiver and blocker. pic.twitter.com/4or9o30u6l
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) June 14, 2022
Whyle is a good-sized athlete. The Cincinnati tight end is 6-6 and clocked a 4.69 40 time at the scouting combine. That 4.69 time was tied for seventh-best among tight ends. That athleticism is a big reason why Whyle was No. 78 on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks list this past summer.
“Whyle’s biggest strength is his physical traits,” Kevin Fielder, a contributor for Underdog Dynasty said. “He measured in at 6-foot-6 during the NFL Combine, and he plays to that size on tape. Despite being tall for the position, Whyle doesn’t miss a step athletically. He’s one of the fastest tight ends in the class, and he uses that speed to impact the game in different ways. His physical traits and athleticism make him a versatile player who can line up in multiple spots to help elevate his offense.”
Whyle has good short-area quickness to work the intermediate routes and he has the long speed to be a vertical threat. He quickly accelerates off the line of scrimmage. With his size and toughness, he can work the middle of the field. He looks more than comfortable making catches in a crowd. He has strong hands and excellent hand-eye coordination. According to Pro Football Focus, Whyle was tagged with just one drop this past season. With his size and quickness, he can be a mismatch nightmare in the red zone.
“Whyle is developed as a route runner that can contribute at every level on the field,” Fielder said. “When you turn on the tape, Whyle stands out as a player who understands how to use his athleticism and footwork to separate from defenders. Whyle might not have run an entire route tree at Cincinnati, but that’s not his fault. If Cincinnati wanted him to, he could have run a diversified route tree.”
As a blocker, Whyle is more than happy to do the dirty work. He excels at blocking on the move as a lead blocker. He’s an eager blocker, but he’ll need to get stronger at the point of attack.
“Whyle’s frame doesn’t do him a lot of favors as a blocker,” Fielder said. “Despite being 6-foot-6, Whyle is only 248 pounds, making him relatively lean for the tight end position. However, I do give credit for Whyle’s development as a blocker. Whyle developed as a blocker every season, showing a player willing to block, which is half the battle. However, stronger players will always be a challenge for Whyle. It was a problem in the American, and it’ll likely continue to be a problem in the NFL. Overall, I think Whyle is an inconsistent but serviceable run blocker.”
During his time as a Bearcat, Whyle logged 433 snaps on special teams. That experience could help him make an immediate impact as a rookie.
“He absolutely can contribute to special teams as a rookie,” Fielder said. “Not only will his experience on special teams help him out, but his athletic profile fits what teams are looking for on special teams.”
Fit with the Packers
The Packers need playmakers at the tight end position. Deguara and Davis have combined for two career touchdowns.
With his size and athleticism, Whyle has the tools to develop into a weapon. Even if he never turns into a bonafide No. 1 option, he has the skill set to be a reliable target inside the 20s for a team. On top of that, he has the special teams experience to step in from day one and provide an impact in that phase of the game.
Would’ve had a mid-round grade on #Cincinnati TE Josh Whyle if he declared last year because of his mismatch ability, especially in the red-area but went back to school to round out his game.
Big framed tight end who can run routes out wide as well.
pic.twitter.com/x156IYMAEq https://t.co/ufDgj0W91U
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) November 29, 2022
“Personally, I love athletic tight ends,” Fielder said. “Even if they were relatively raw, I’d bet on an athletic tight end to find their groove in the NFL. Unlike other athletic tight ends, though, Whyle at least has the base to be at least a serviceable blocker, meaning he can be a “true” tight end who finds himself lining up attached to the offensive line. I have no doubts that Whyle can contribute to an NFL team as a pass catcher who isn’t a net negative in blocking.”
The Packers struggled inside the red zone this past season. Adding a player with Whyle’s size and quickness, the Cincinnati tight end could help remedy the situation.
