2019 NFL Draft: Seven tight end targets for the Kansas City Chiefs
Jace Sternberger – Texas A&M
If you would like to see the Chiefs draft a tight end that could come in right away and be a reliable pass catching weapon for Patrick Mahomes, then Jace Sternberger is the guy for you. The 6-foot-4 and 251 pound Sternberger was a major weapon in Texas A&M’s passing attack. He totaled 49 receptions for 836 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Pro Football Focus gave him a 91.1 grade in receiving which was higher than the receiving grade for any of the top three tight ends in this class.
As you can imagine, if Sternberger is that good at catching the ball, he isn’t really a big time blocker. It’s not that he isn’t willing to block but his skills are much better utilized running routes out of the slot than lined up inline (next to the tackle) and run blocking.
I would love to see the Chiefs target Sternberger in the second round. However, I’m high enough on him as an offensive weapon that I’m worried he won’t make it to K.C. at the back end of the second round. There are enough other options at the position that I don’t think I’d want them to give up an extra pick to move up and get him. However, if they were to land him they’d be getting an excellent route runner with good hands whose speed is just good enough to be a deep weapon down the seam and create mismatches with defenders. He really plays like a big wide receiver.
Apparently at least one person who works for the Chiefs agrees as team reporter BJ Kissel tweeted out this video profile of him.
Today's #NFLDraft prospect to watch is Texas A&M TE Jace Sternberger (6-4, 250 lbs).
— Chiefs Reporter (@ChiefsReporter) March 29, 2019
He was a First-Team All-American last year after grabbing 48 passes for 832 yards and 10 TDs. pic.twitter.com/E3OVzxgpx9
Next up, let’s look at one of the most underutilized talents in this draft class at any position.