One thing the 6-foot-3, 245-pound Backman has is speed. Coming out of UAB, he ran a 4.66 40-yard dash at his pro day. That was significantly faster than what the draft’s top two tight ends -- second-round pick Maxx Williams (4.78) and third-round pick Clive Walford (4.79) -- ran at the combine last year. And it’s way faster than what Rodgers (4.87) ran in 2014.

“Let’s be honest, the middle of the field is open now,” McCarthy said. “League rules. Big people running down the middle of the field, I’ll make no secret about it. I think that’s a key to offensive success, whether that’s a big receiver or big tight end or a big man running down the middle of the field, making those safeties cover you. It’s an important part of playing in today’s NFL.”