Packers quick reaction NFL Draft grades 2019: Jace Sternberger
The Green Bay Packers finally have their tight end, Jace Sternberger out of Texas A&M.
The Green Bay Packers waited until the third round before selecting a tight end, but they’ve got a talented player in Jace Sternberger.
The Packers turned to offense on Day 2, selecting guard Elgton Jenkins in the second round and Sternberger in the third.
Here’s our grade for the Packers’ third-round pick:
Packers address biggest position of need
One of the biggest positions of need this offseason, the Packers needed to add a tight end early in the draft. They missed out on T.J. Hockenson who went to the Detroit Lions with the eighth overall pick, and they then passed up on Noah Fant who went to the Denver Broncos, and Irv Smith Jr. who was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round.
But Green Bay has added talent at a key position on offense.
Sternberger improves offense
The Packers are in good shape at tight end. With Jimmy Graham and Marcedes Lewis still under contract, they have an excellent receiver in Graham and a great blocker in Lewis. But it’s possible both players could be entering their final season in Green Bay.
In Sternberger’s one year at Texas A&M, he finished with 832 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. And it’s as a pass catcher that he’ll make the biggest impact in Green Bay right away.
The Pack needed to get younger at tight end, and with Sternberger they may have found their long-term starter. With Graham and Lewis on the roster, Green Bay can ease Sternberger into game action as he develops his game, but he’ll make a difference to the passing game from year one.
With a need at the position, this is an exciting pick. They are now set at tight end for 2019 and could have their future TE1.