COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 08: Jace Sternberger #81 of the Texas A&M Aggies runs with the ball after a reception in the first quarter against the Clemson Tigers at Kyle Field on September 8, 2018 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

A second round run on safeties in the upcoming draft could force the Dallas Cowboys’ poker chips towards tight end Jace Sternberger.

Landing one of their prized safeties at pick 58 is beginning to seem less likely for the Dallas Cowboys. Top targets Jonathan Abram and Taylor Rapp are both imposing, highly physical players. Such dominant traits won’t last to Dallas’ selection.

Juan Thornhill and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson aren’t as physically imposing near the line, but they make up for it with high coverage versatility and the ability to match with receivers. All four of the 30 visit safeties above may be gone by pick 58.

If all of their coveted safeties (which may only be three of the four mentioned) get wiped out, naturally the Cowboys will be forced to look elsewhere.

TARGET AT 58: JACE STERNBERGER

Texas A&M – Tight End

6-4, 251 – 4.75 40 yard dash, 17 reps 225-pound bench press

2018 stats: 48 catches, 832 yards, 17.8 average, 10 touchdowns

Jace Sternberger’s combine results were admirable, though nothing flashy compared to the position group. The juice coming from this player definitely shows up on tape.

Sternberger signed with the University of Kansas out of high school. After redshirting and then receiving little playing time the following season, he transferred to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. During one season in junior college, he had 21 catches, 336 yards, and six touchdowns.

This performance was enough to attract solid major program attention before signing with Texas A&M. Sternberger exploded on the scene and made that one year count by earning consensus All-American and first team All-SEC honors. His football speed, release, route running precision, and ball skills were elite for the Aggies.

While a little undersized and not a powerful in-line blocker, he’s also scrappy and willingly engages his man without hesitance. Where Sternberger makes his mark is set back off the line or split out. He’s also a solid, pre-snap motion player.

This is the exact type of receiving weapon Dallas may desire to add to their upgraded offensive artillery. With 2018 red zone woes still fresh on the mind, a versatile, big target of his caliber could fetch pick 58.

In 2020, Jason Witten is a question mark and Blake Jarwin becomes a restricted free agent. Dallas could justify this pick from both early contribution and future need. Don’t be surprised to hear Jace Sternberger’s name called if the safety well dries up.