Should the Packers consider drafting Jordan Love? by Freddie Boston

The Green Bay Packers need Jace Sternberger to step up in 2020.

Like last year, tight end is a position of concern for the Packers in 2020.

GM Brian Gutekunst released Jimmy Graham earlier this month and he has since signed with the Chicago Bears. Gutekunst also brought back Marcedes Lewis but missed out on Austin Hooper.

With limited options remaining in free agency, the Packers could turn to the draft once again. However, expecting a rookie tight end to make an immediate impact is unlikely.

The Packers will need their third-round pick from last spring, Jace Sternberger, to play a bigger role on offense this upcoming season.

Sternberger was immediately behind the eight ball in his rookie year as an injury kept him out of the first eight games of the season. In total, he played six regular-season games but didn’t make a single catch.

But there were signs of encouragement in the postseason. Sternberger caught at least one pass in each of Green Bay’s two playoff games, including a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers.

It’s unfair to give Sternberger a grade for his rookie year. First-year tight ends often struggle, and Sternberger wasn’t helped by the fact he missed half the season due to injury.

But the team will now be hoping he can stay healthy and make a second-year jump.

Prior to last year’s draft, Joe Marino of The Draft Network wrote that Sternberger could develop into a starter in his second or third season:

“By Year 2/3, Sternberger can be a dynamic, versatile and productive starter for an NFL offense,” Marino wrote.

Marino also praised his receiving ability, writing that Sternberger is a “true seam-busting threat”. If he can become that player for the Packers this season, many of the problems at the tight end position will be solved.

The Packers used a third-round pick to land Sternberger in last year’s draft, a clear sign they liked his potential to become a starter in Matt LaFleur’s offense.

With Graham gone, he will now get his opportunity in 2020. And the Packers need him to become a key part of their offense.