Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Future Packers unpackers: No. 97, Iowa TE Luke Lachey

The Unpacking Future Packers countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL Draft.

There’s a reason why Iowa is known as the University of Tight Ends. George Kittle, Dallas Clark, Sam LaPorta and TJ Hockenson are some of the most eminent players who attended Iowa and went on to enjoy successful NFL careers.

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The next choke point in the pipeline is Iowa Łukasz Lache. A potential client from Iowa ranks number 97 on the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

Ohio native Lachey had a “breakout” season as a redshirt sophomore when he recorded 28 receptions for 398 yards and four touchdowns. The following season, Lachey suffered a season-ending injury after three games. In the full two games he played this season, Lachey recorded 10 receptions for 131 yards. Last season, Lachey recorded 28 receptions for 231 yards.

Luke Lachey represented toughness and sacrifice for Iowa,” said Riley Donald, writer for Hawkeyes Wire. “From the first snaps he saw, to replacing the injured Sam LaPorta, to getting the opportunity to play, he was tough. Lachey broke his leg during the 2023 season, cutting it to three games. I think it says a lot that he came back to Iowa when he could have gone away for the draft. He showed this program what it means to care and finish.

Lachey is not on the same level as Clark or Kittle. His talent level is more in line with Brandon Myers, who played in the NFL for eight years. Lachey recently accepted an invitation to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl and will likely impress teams in meetings throughout the draft process.

“Being a team captain for a program like Iowa is not ordinary,” Donald said. “He’s the type of guy who knows what it takes. On the pitch, his greatest strength is his “uniqueness,” for lack of a better term. Iowa had him play in the slot, put him on the wing and lined him up.

Lachey’s receiving numbers won’t throw at you. Don’t be fooled. Lachey is a fluid athlete and throws himself into his routes. Makes acute cuts to create separation at the top of his routes. He has the speed necessary to stretch the seam and work in the middle of the field. The former high school wide receiver has mighty hands and has no trouble catching passes in traffic. According to Professional focus on footballLachey had just three drops during his college career.

“You have to remember that there are no numbers like that, but that’s not because of Luke Lachey,” Donald said. “That’s a credit to Iowa’s quarterback room, which has been a revolving door throughout his career. That’s all he can do if he has four to five playmakers at any given time. What stands out to me is that he had what he did. Lachey has a big frame that he knows how to use. Able to attack defenders on attacking routes and has excellent field awareness on attacking routes. Luke Lachey is a slightly leaner, bigger Sam LaPorta who is still a bit raw. It is there, but it may need some refinement.”

Lachey showed the necessary tenacity as a blocker. During contact, he keeps his feet moving and shifts his weight to open up running lanes.

“Iowa had one of the best rushing attacks in America this year, and Kaleb Johnson set Iowa state records. This won’t happen without all hands on deck,” Donald said. “Sure, Lachey may be a little coarse on blocking, but his willingness to do it is just as essential. A lot of tight ends want to split up and just run routes. Lachey is eager to get his nose soiled.

Fits the Packers

Tucker Kraft has become a rising star in tough situations for the Packers. His counterpart, Luke Musgrave, has struggled with injuries in his first two seasons in the league and there is no denying that he has upside potential.

With those two on the roster, the Packers likely won’t add a tight end early in the 2025 NFL Draft. That’s why Lachey could be on their radar as a behind schedule Day 3 target.

Lachey has been restricted by Iowa’s offense during his college career and has the full skill set to provide quality behind Kraft and Musgrave.

“At 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, that alone is worth a shot at in the draft. This cannot be learned. But more than that, Lachey was a shiner at Iowa during his time. He’s long and can run better than you might expect. Hands are not a discussion. You get a kid who knows what it’s like to enter a regime-oriented, highly structured environment. There is a reason why Iowa is so successful in the NFL.”

Lachey will likely never become the team’s No. 1 option at tight ends, but he has the necessary skill set to have a long career as the team’s No. 2 or 3 option. The Packers already have a No. 1 option, and if Musgrave continues to struggle with injury, Lachey could replace him and give the Packers another reliable target in the passing game.

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