February
Tom Crabtree: 2011 Green Bay Packers Evaluation and Report Card
Tom Crabtree
1) Introduction: The Packers signed Crabtree to the practice squad late in the 2009 season, then the gritty tight end surprised by making the Packers 53-man roster out of training camp in 2010. Despite a recent revolution at the position, Crabtree is a throwback player who’s primarily asked to block and be a contributor on special teams.
2) Profile:
Tom Crabtree
Position: TE
Height: 6-4
Weight: 245 lbs.
AGE: 26
3) Expectations coming into the season: The Packers drafted two tight ends in April, including one (Ryan Taylor) who possessed a skill set that resembles Crabtree’s. Five tight ends then came to camp with a chance to crack the 53-man roster, including Crabtree, and all five ended up making the team. Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson weren’t willing to give up Crabtree’s blocking and experience on special teams. Expectations for 2011 were that Crabtree would reprise those far from glamourous roles.
4) Player’s highlights/low-lights: Crabtree played 342 snaps, second among Packers tight ends, and 247 of those snaps came in a run or pass blocking role. Pro Football Focus had him for one sack allowed with one pressure and one hit. His role as a receiver was limited. After catching just four passes in 2010, Crabtree hauled in six for 38 yards and his first regular season touchdown. His long was 15 yards against Atlanta. He dropped two of his nine targets, including a ball that was low and away in New York and a third down in the playoffs that would have given the Packers a new set of downs.
