Packers draft bust is finally living up to the hype (but in a different league)

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur / Stacy Revere/GettyImages
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It took a tight end to break the Green Bay Packers' third-round curse, and Tucker Kraft's impressive rookie season may have magically helped every tight end who has previously worn the green and gold.

Robert Tonyan has reportedly "looked great" at Minnesota Vikings minicamp, while Marcedes Lewis just landed a new deal with the Chicago Bears entering his age-40 season.

Another former Packers tight end—a third-rounder, coincidentally—is also doing pretty well for himself.

Before Kraft ended the Packers' third-round curse, many hoped and believed Jace Sternberger would be the one to do it. After impressing as a receiver in his final season at Texas A&M, Sternberger entered the league with high expectations.

Unfortunately, it didn't work out during his time in Green Bay, but Sternberger may have earned a return to the NFL after his recent performances.

Former Packers tight end Jace Sternberger makes All-UFL Team

While the Packers prepare for the upcoming season, Sternberger has been busy dominating in the UFL and reminding everyone how talented he is. After catching 25 passes for 454 yards and four touchdowns, Sternberger earned All-UFL honors.

And he had some love for Packers fans.

Sternberger had an equally impressive 2023 season in the then-USFL (before the merger with the XFL). He led the USFL in receiving touchdowns and helped the Birmingham Stallions win a championship.

It earned him an opportunity with the Buffalo Bills at last summer's training camp, but he didn't make their 53-man roster.

After an outstanding performance in the inaugural UFL season, Sternberger deserves another shot in the NFL. It likely won't come in Green Bay, considering its tight end depth, but teams needing some pass-catching help should give him a chance at training camp.

It's great to see Sternberger still playing football and enjoying tremendous success in the UFL. It may not have worked out with the Packers, but he still has plenty of fans in Green Bay.

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