Packers 2020 pre-draft preview: A familiar problem at tight end

Fixing the need at tight end won’t be easy in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Tight end remains a need for the Green Bay Packers. That line has been repeated for multiple offseasons now.

Last year, they used a third-round pick to select Jace Sternberger. After missing half of his rookie season due to injury, the Packers will be hoping he can contribute more in 2020.

But as things stand, tight end is still a concern entering the draft.

Free agency recap

The Packers released Jimmy Graham after two seasons, a move that freed up $8 million in cap space. Graham has since signed with the Chicago Bears. Green Bay also re-signed veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis, who brings experience to the offense and is still an excellent blocker.

Need in the draft?

High.

This could change if Sternberger steps up in 2020, but the Packers don’t have the benefit of seeing into the future. The fact the Packers were reportedly interested in signing free-agent Austin Hooper suggests they also believe tight end is a need.

Draft outlook

While it’s a position of need, that doesn’t mean Green Bay will be able to find a solution. This isn’t the deepest class at tight end, and it’s also difficult to find a tight end who can make a difference in his rookie season.

The opportunity to land a top tight end in free agency has passed and the Packers might have no choice but to roll with their current depth chart and maybe a Day 3 addition.

Notre Dame’s Cole Kmet is the best tight end in the class and many mock drafts have him being selected on Day 2.

But with other needs, including wide receiver, Green Bay made look for players who can make an immediate impact in 2020, with the hope Sternberger can develop and take on a bigger role this year.

Tight end is a need entering the draft, but it won’t be an easy problem to solve this year.