Expect to see a lot more of No. 87 when the Green Bay Packers kick off the 2020 season.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur told Larry McCarren of the team’s official site that he’s planning to use Jace Sternberger more next season, citing his competitiveness, surprising effectiveness as a blocker and potential as a downfield receiver as reasons why the second-year tight end will be a bigger part of the offense.
A third-round pick, Sternberger went on injured reserve during the first week of the regular season and didn’t have a catch after returning in November, but he caught his first touchdown pass in the NFC title game and made a big impression on LaFleur and the Packers to finish the year.
“Here’s what I love about Jace Sternberger: I know the game’s not too big for him,” LaFleur said. “He loves to compete, and he’s so versatile. Whether it’s inline, or it’s moving into an H-back, fullback-type position. The guy has contact courage. He’s not afraid to put his face on people. He’s a much better blocker than anyone ever thought he was coming out of Texas A&M. I’m just excited for his future.”
Sternberger played snaps at several different spots during the regular season, including an extended stint as an H-back after Danny Vitale went down with an injury. In the postseason, he caught three passes in two games and scored his first touchdown from Aaron Rodgers during a scramble drill situation in the second half at Levi’s Stadium.
A dominant collegiate pass-catcher with soft hands and vertical speed, Sternberger embraced a blocking role during most snaps as a rookie, occasionally as an inline tight end but also as the move tight end on zone runs and as a lead blocker in the backfield. More improvement in the blocking department could make Sternberger a valuable and versatile weapon and a true breakout candidate in 2020.
GM Brian Gutekunst believes Sternberger can be a matchup problem.
“We’re really excited about Jace and where he can go,” Gutekunst told Jason Wilde of The Athletic before the combine. “I think the sky’s the limit. He’s got to put in the work and do it, but there’s a lot out there for him. We’re excited about it but, again, it’s the National Football League. Until you do it, I don’t know how much you can count on it. But we’re excited where he can go.”
The opportunity should be available. Marcedes Lewis is a free agent and Jimmy Graham is still a cut candidate, opening the door for a player like Sternberger to take a developmental leap and assume a bigger role. The Packers have been linked to free-agent tight end Austin Hooper, but even if he’s signed to be the new starting tight end, Sternberger could log hundreds of snaps as a field-stretching complement and do-everything player.
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