Packers Training Camp Battle: Former Iowa Tight End Luke Lachey Fights for Roster Spot

As the Green Bay Packers head into training camp, the competition for roster spots is heating up, and a familiar name to Iowa football fans is in the mix. Luke Lachey, the former Iowa Hawkeyes tight end and son of Redskins legend Jim Lachey, is vying for a role as a blocking tight end after the Packers lost their top blocker in that position this offseason.

The Packers' revamped receiver corps is headlined by Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Matthew Golden, but depth is a key question. Several young receivers and tight ends are competing for the final spots on the 53-man roster. Among them are three undrafted or practice squad receivers and two tight ends, including Lachey, who was claimed off waivers from the Texans but initially failed his physical before signing with Green Bay after the offseason program.

Luke Lachey: A Blocking Specialist with Hawkeye Roots

Lachey, a seventh-round pick by the Texans in 2025, spent last season on their practice squad. At Iowa, he caught 74 passes for 893 yards and four touchdowns over four seasons, but his true value lies in his blocking ability. After a breakout 2022 season, he missed most of 2023 due to an ankle injury but returned in 2024 to match his career high with 28 catches.

His father, Jim Lachey, was a key member of the Washington Redskins' famous 'Hogs' offensive line. Luke embraces that legacy, telling Steelers Depot at the East-West Shrine Bowl: 'If you can't block, you can't play. Coming from Iowa, we are a very fun-heavy team. And I love to block, and that's the first thing you've got to be able to do. If you're a tight end, they're probably not going to put you on the field very much if you can't block. So, that's what I take pride in.'

The Packers lost their best blocking tight end, John FitzPatrick, to a torn Achilles late last season, and he was not re-signed. That opens a clear niche for Lachey to win a roster spot if he can prove his health and blocking skills in training camp.

Messiah Swinson: Another Blocking Option

Lachey's main competition for that blocking role is Messiah Swinson, a 6-foot-7, 259-pound tight end who has bounced between practice squads since going undrafted in 2024. Swinson spent time with the Packers, Panthers, 49ers, and Cardinals before returning to Green Bay. He has yet to play in a regular-season game but brings size and potential.

Position coach John Dunn said of Swinson: 'It takes development for that Y-type position, but I'm excited to work with him again. This is a great time of year. Obviously, when you're talking about blocking and doing those things, you got to go play padded football, real football, but I'm excited to see where it goes for him.'

In college, Swinson caught 28 passes for 317 yards and two touchdowns at Missouri and Arizona State, with most of his production coming in 2022.

Receiver Battle: Who Steps Up Behind the Starters?

At receiver, the Packers are betting on a mix of young talent to provide depth. Savion Williams, a third-round pick last year, is a frontrunner, along with Bo Melton, a speed threat and special teams contributor, and Skyy Moore, a free agent addition who can return punts.

Three other receivers are fighting for a spot:

• Will Sheppard (No. 60 in roster rankings): An undrafted free agent from Vanderbilt and Colorado, Sheppard spent last season on the Packers' practice squad after signing late in training camp. He caught 198 passes in his final four college seasons, including 48 grabs for 621 yards and six scores with Colorado in 2024. Coach Deion Sanders called him 'a big-time receiver' who wins on 50-50 balls.
• Isaiah Neyor (No. 59): After six seasons at Wyoming, Texas, and Nebraska, Neyor went undrafted and spent last season on Green Bay's practice squad. He made his NFL debut in the playoff loss to Chicago but was not targeted. Coach Matt LaFleur said Neyor has shown 'flashes of excellence' and is 'night and day' better after a year in the system.
• J. Michael Sturdivant (No. 58): An undrafted free agent from Cal, UCLA, and Florida, Sturdivant posted an elite Relative Athletic Score and caught 150 passes in college. He told Packers On SI he chose Green Bay for its stability, saying: 'They didn't draft a receiver. They got a great receiver room, they have a great quarterback, a great head coach that calls great plays. And it's got a lot of stability.'

What This Means for Iowa Fans

For Iowa fans, Lachey's journey is a story of perseverance and a chance to see a Hawkeye product compete at the highest level. His blocking-first mentality aligns with the values of hard work and fundamentals that Iowa football is known for. If he wins a roster spot, he could become a key contributor on special teams and in short-yardage situations for a Packers team looking to build depth.

The Packers open training camp later this month, and the battles at tight end and receiver will be closely watched. For Lachey, the opportunity is clear: fill the void left by FitzPatrick and prove that his Iowa pedigree translates to the NFL.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Luke Lachey's role with the Packers?

Lachey is competing for a roster spot as a blocking tight end, a role opened by the departure of John FitzPatrick. His ability to block and his experience at Iowa make him a strong candidate.

Who are the Packers' top receivers heading into camp?

The top three receivers are Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Matthew Golden. Depth is being filled by Savion Williams, Bo Melton, Skyy Moore, and several undrafted or practice squad players.

How did Lachey perform at Iowa?

Lachey caught 74 passes for 893 yards and four touchdowns over four seasons at Iowa, but his blocking was his standout skill. He missed most of 2023 due to injury but returned strong in 2024.

Photo: Sports Illustrated