Jace Sternberger didn’t have a catch during the regular season, but the Green Bay Packers rookie tight end displayed the kind of toughness in the run game, versatility within the offense and athleticism in the passing game that could make him a breakout candidate in 2020.

GM Brian Gutekunst believes Sternberger, who lined up at inline tight end, fullback and H-back as a rookie, has a chance to be a position-flexible player who can be a “matchup problem” at any spot.

“The flexibility he gives us. Obviously, he has a lot of speed, he can stretch the seam, he’s a matchup problem for linebackers and safeties. Matt put him in the backfield, moved him around a little bit,” Gutekunst said last Friday. “Jace can be one of those guys, as he develops, he can play a lot of different places and be a matchup problem. Excited for him, excited that he gained a little bit of confidence at the end of the season that will hopefully be a push going into next year.”

Sternberger played 39 total snaps and caught three passes for 15 yards and his first NFL touchdown during two postseason games. On his score, Sternberger shook free of 49ers linebacker Fred Warner in the end zone and got open for Aaron Rodgers in the scramble drill during the second half of the NFC Championship Game.

The rookie making plays wasn’t a surprise to Gutekunst. He saw Sternberger creating problems for the Packers defense during practice late in the season.

“At practice, continually he was making plays and becoming a problem for the defense,” Gutekunst said.

Sternberger led all college tight ends with 10 touchdown catches and had the top receiving grade among tight ends at Pro Football Focus last season. His potential in the passing game was obvious, but Sternberger proved capable as a blocker, both as a move tight end and H-back during his rookie season.

“I was proud of him how he developed the last eight or nine weeks of the season when he got in there,” Gutekunst said. “We’re really excited about Jace and what he could do in the future.”

A bigger opportunity could be available in 2020. Jimmy Graham is a cut candidate and Marcedes Lewis is an unrestricted free agent. The Packers will use the offseason to attempt to acquire playmakers on offense, but the development of one already on the roster will be just as important to the passing game taking a step next season.