The Packers drafted Kennard Backman, 6’3″ 245 lb TE out of UAB with their last 6th round pick 213th overall. A four-year starter, Backman played in 48 games and made 37 starts at tight end in his career finishing with 96 receptions for 979 yards and seven touchdowns, In 2014 he earned second-team All-Conference USA honors following an outstanding senior season. Backman led the team in receptions with 39 catches totaling 399 receiving yards and three touchdowns, and I think his versatility will help him transition into the pro style offense, having played in three different styles in college (he had three separate head coaches who each used different offenses). Kennard started as a split-out tight end in under Neil Callaway and then transitioned to an in-line tight end in a three-point stance during Garrick McGee’s two seasons which will be what the Packers lack from the TE’s already on the roster. The bottom line is that he is a better blocker than Rodgers, Quarless and Perillo. In his final year, Backman was spread outside under Bill Clark.

While Kennard is not a freakish athlete like Jermichael Finley was, he still brings a little nasty to his game like Fin. He is not one to shy away from contact and will lower his shoulder to get that extra yardage which is something I personally like in a TE.

This is just a little look into the player most of us fans including myself never heard of until draft day. We will keep an eye on Backman to see if he can give Rodgers and Quarless a run for their money. Let us know your thought in the comments below or on our facebook homepage.

Thanks.

Jeff

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