Green Bay Packers: 5 Players who need to step up in 2020
5. Jace Sternberger, TE
A third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, tight end Jace Sternberger did not see the field much as a rookie. That stands to reason as he was selected as a high-upside developmental prospect who is more likely to be an impact player on the back-end of his rookie contract. Now that he’s entering his second season with the Packers, however, he needs to be a big factor in the offense.
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Last season, Jimmy Graham served as the top tight end in the Green Bay offense but, frankly, he never lived up to his previous billing as a high-priced player in the offense. He finished the year with only 38 receptions for 447 yards and three scores, even if he did come up with a handful of clutch plays. Now he’s in Chicago, though.
Sternberger played only 99 snaps last season and, though Marcedes Lewis is back with the Packers, that’s a number likely to increase a great deal in the 2020 season. And he needs to be a big-time contributor in the passing attack. He was a nice pass-catcher at Texas A&M and, with a year of NFL coaching, the hope is that he can serve that same role with his pro team.
Given the lack of additions that Green Bay made this offseason to help the passing attack, Sternberger could be huge for this team if he takes a step forward in year two. Him coming up as a reliable safety valve but also as a player who can occasionally break off a big play would be massively important for the Packers maintaining their team success.