If it wasn’t for off-field issues, and plenty of them to go around, former Oregon tight end Colt Lyerla likely would have been a top-20 pick in the 2014 NFL draft. He was among the most talented pass catchers in the nation when on the field for the Ducks for parts of three seasons.
Packers signed former Oregon TE Colt Lyerla.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 19, 2014
After inviting Lyerla to work out during rookie mini-camp, the Green Bay Packers have inked the rookie to a contract. With the departure of Jermichael Finley, who is still a free agent, Green Bay could use another pass-catching option for Aaron Rodgers at tight end. It did add former CAL standout Richard Rodgers in the draft a couple weeks ago.
If Lyerla makes the 53-man roster and stays out of trouble off the field, there is no reason to believe he won’t make an impact for the Packers as a rookie in 2014.
Photo: Scott Olmos, USA Today