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 is a reason why Iowa is known as Tight End University. George Kittle, Dallas Clark, Sam LaPorta and TJ Hockenson are some of the big named tight ends that attended Iowa that have gone on to enjoy successful NFL careers.
The next tight end to come out of the Iowa pipeline is Luke Lachey. The Iowa prospect checks in at No. 97 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A native of Ohio, Lachey enjoyed a “breakout” season as a redshirt sophomore in 2022 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 that season, Lachey recorded 10 receptions for 131 yards. This past season, Lachey recorded 28 receptions for 231 yards.
“Luke Lachey meant toughness and dedication to Iowa,” Riley Donald, a writer for Hawkeyes Wire, said. “From the first snaps he saw to replacing an injured Sam LaPorta to getting his chance to start, he was tough. Lachey broke his leg during the 2023 season, cutting it to three games. I think it speaks volumes he came back to Iowa when he could have left for the draft. He showed this program what it meant to care and finish.”
Lachey is not on the same level as a Clark or Kittle. He’s more in line with the talent level of Brandon Myers who played eight years in the NFL. Lachey recently accepted an invite to play at the East-West Shrine Bowl and he’ll likely impress teams during meetings throughout the draft process.
“To be named a team captain at a program like Iowa isn’t just ordinary,” Donald said. “That is the type of guy who knows what it takes. On the field, his biggest strength is his “uniqueness” for a lack of a better term. Iowa had him play in the slot, would put him out wide, and have him in line.”
Lachey’s receiving numbers won’t jump out at you. Don’t let that fool you. Lachey is a fluid athlete and rolls into his routes. He makes sharp cuts to create separation at the top of his routes. He has the necessary speed to stretch the seam and work the middle of the field. The former high school wide receiver has strong hands and has no issues catching passes in traffic. According to Pro Football Focus, Lachey was tagged with just three drops during his collegiate career.
“You have to remember, the numbers aren’t there but that’s not due to Luke Lachey,” Donald said. “That is due Iowa’s quarterback room which has been a revolving door during his entire tenure. He can only do so much when he had four to five quarterbacks over his time. The fact he had what he did stands out to me. Lachey has a big-frame that he knows how to use. He can boxout defenders on in-breaking routes and has great field awareness on out-breaking routes. Luke Lachey is a bit of a lankier, bigger-bodied Sam LaPorta that is still a bit raw. It is there, but it may take some polishing.”
Lachey showcases the necessary tenacity as a blocker. He keeps his feet moving at contact and throws his weight around to help open up running lanes.
“Iowa had one of the best rushing attacks in America this year with Kaleb Johnson setting Iowa records. That doesn’t happen without all hands on deck blocking,” Donald said. “Sure, Lachey may be a bit raw in the blocking department, but his willingness to do it is just as important. A lot of tight ends want to split out and just run routes. Lachey has the eagerness to get his nose dirty.”
Fit with the Packers
Tucker Kraft has emerged as a budding star at tight end for the Packers. His counterpart, Luke Musgrave has battled the injury bug during his first two seasons in the league and there is no denying his potential upside.
With those two on the roster, the Packers likely won’t add a tight end early during the 2025 NFL Draft. That’s why Lachey could be on their radar as a late Day 3 target.
Lachey was constrained by Iowa’s offense during his collegiate career and has a complete skill set to provide quality depth behind Kraft and Musgrave.
“At 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, that alone is worth a shot in the draft. That is unteachable. But more than that, Lachey has flashed at Iowa in his time. He has length and he can run better than you would expect. The hands are a non-discussion. You’re getting a kid who knows what it’s like to enter into a regime-oriented, highly structured environment. There’s a reason Iowa is so successful in the NFL.”
Lachey likely won’t ever turn into a team’s No. 1 option at tight end, but he has the requisite skillset to carve out a lengthy career as a team’s No. 2 or No. 3 option. The Packers already have their No.1 option and if Musgrave continues to battle the injury bug, Lachey could slide in to replace him and give the Packers another reliable target in the passing game.