The versatility of third-round pick Josiah Deguara could help the Green Bay Packers unlock the full receiving potential of last year’s third-round pick, Jace Sternberger.

Both GM Brian Gutekunst and coach Matt LaFleur have confirmed that the Packers plan to use Deguara, the 94th overall pick, in a versatile role that includes snaps on the wing and in the backfield, utilizing his athleticism and toughness as a move tight end and H-back player.

The role isn’t difficult to imagine. In fact, it’s a near-identical role to the one Sternberger played late during his rookie season. The Packers lined him up all over, including at fullback, using him mostly to stress personnel and perform blocks on the move, especially cut blocks on the backside of plays.

Now, the Packers have a player who exactly fits the role in Deguara, a player who was operated as a do-it-all player throughout his time at Cincinnati.

The trickle-down effect could be important for getting the most out of Sternberger, who came out of college as one of the best receivers at the position in 2019.

No longer will Sternberger be asked to do so many things as a move blocker. That’s not really his game. Deguara, a better blocker, will take over those responsibilities, freeing Sternberger to handle much more in the passing game – especially with Jimmy Graham no longer in Green Bay.

Note that Sternberger will likely play in the slot and out wide as a receiver more in 2020. He told Peter Bukowski of Locked on Packers that LaFleur is planning to play him “in the slot a lot” and have him “moving around” the offense next season.

Tie all the steps together.

The Packers use Sternberger in an H-back role late in 2019. Deguara is drafted to play the role. Sternberger, suddenly freed, transitions into more of a receiver-first role, taking over for Graham.

If it all works out, Sternberger could turn into a high-volume target for the Packers in Year 2. He’s set up for big things. Not only is Graham gone and his path cleared as the go-to receiving tight end, but the Packers now have a versatile tight end to handle the awkward role he had to play last season.