No tight end in the 2019 draft class had a better receiving grade at Pro Football Focus during the 2018 college football season than Jace Sternberger, who the Green Bay Packers selected with the 75th overall pick Friday night.
Sternberger was PFF’s No. 67 overall prospect in the class and the third best tight end, trailing only T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant.
It was his production as a receiving threat that likely lifted Sternberger’s draft stock.
During his one and only season at Texas A&M, Sternberger caught 48 passes for 832 yards and 10 touchdowns. He averaged 17.3 yards per catch, led all tight ends in catches over 20 yards (seven) and dropped only three of 52 catchable targets.
Sternberger also led all FBS tight ends in touchdown catches. He hauled in touchdown catches against both Alabama and LSU in 2018.
Sternberger finished with an overall receiving grade of 91.1 at PFF. He and Hockenson were the only tight ends with receiving grades over 90.
While Sternberger doesn’t provide the same kind of impact blocking ability as Hockenson, he could have equal or more value as a pass-catcher.
Sternberger wins down the field with fluid movement ability and natural catching talent. He’s a big target with soft, reliable hands and an ability to create separation with route-running talent and spatial awareness. The Packers also like how he can create yards after the catch.
The Packers needed a young tight end to develop behind veterans Jimmy Graham and Marcedes Lewis. Sternberger will get at least a full season of development before being asked to play a major role on the Packers offense. By 2020, he could be a legitimate receiving weapon for Aaron Rodgers in Matt LaFleur’s offense.
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