New Orleans Saints assistant head coach and tight ends coach Dan Campbell has been more active than usual ahead of the 2019 NFL Draft. He conducted tight end drills at the Alabama Crimson Tide pro day, working closely with top prospect Irv Smith Jr. Then he did the same at his alma mater, running the workout for the Texas A&M Aggies tight ends — focusing on rising prospect Jace Sternberger.
Brent Zwerneman of the Houston Chronicle caught up with Campbell after the pro day at College Station, and shared some video of Campbell in action with Sternberger on social media:
The Saints scouted tight end prospects heavily in last year’s draft, with head coach Sean Payton flying out to South Carolian to put Hayden Hurst through a private workout. They also met with South Dakota State prospect Dallas Goedert on several occasions, even making him their first visit at the Senior Bowl. Still, they never matched their draft slot with the talent available, and ended up in the same position a year later.
They also aren’t out of the hunt for a tight end after signing Jared Cook in free agency. Cook is a great talent, and will be New Orleans’ top option at the position. But he signed a contract that lasts just two years and will celebrate his 32nd birthday in April. They need an asset for the future along with backup Josh Hill.
Someone like Sternberger may just fit the bill, if he gets Campbell’s approval.
