Cory's Corner: In Jace We Trust
We may not know much about the 2020 Packers, but we know one thing: they are putting all of their chips on Jace Sternberger.
After Green Bay made the obvious move and released Jimmy Graham, many — including myself — thought general manager Brian Gutekunst would want to add stability to the tight end position.
Granted, the re-signing of Marcedes Lewis counts as one of the 14 tight ends that have been signed in free agency. I really like that signing, but the 14-year pro turns 36 in two months. He was signed to be the road grader; he has been an excellent blocker, but he cannot be the dynamic pass-catching weapon that the Packers need.
Many wanted the Packers to sign Austin Hooper, but Hooper wouldn’t have been worth the sticker price of the highest-paid tight end. I liked Jacob Hollister, but Seattle gave him a sound round tender. Even if teams do like Hollister, there’s no way they like him more than a second rounder. And I also don’t see a lot of value in Delanie Walker. He has only played eight games the last two seasons and he will be 36 next season. It probably isn’t the best idea to have a pair of 36-year-olds from the same position.
Right now, the Packers have Sternberger, Lewis, Robert Tonyan, Evan Baylis and James Looney. Baylis and Looney will be scratching and clawing to make the roster and Tonyan is limited in terms of what he can do offensively.
The question mark is Sternberger. He landed on injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury in the final preseason game last year. He came back and even caught a touchdown in the NFC title game.
I liked where he was picked in the third round. He has shown that he can be explosive, but he needs to prove that he can beat the stronger linebackers. His 6-foot-4 frame is a perfect strike zone for Aaron Rodgers, but he also needs to prove that he can outphysical a defensive back and block when called upon.
The Packers could still take a tight end in the draft, but this class is much thinner than last year. The No. 1 tight end, Notre Dame’s Cole Kmet, won’t get taken until late in the second round. Last year, T.J. Hockenson was taken eighth overall by the Lions.
I think Sternberger can be the weapon the Packers hope, but it will also come with a caveat. They will be forced to use more two tight end sets with Lewis just because of the blocking element. And having two tight ends on the field will play into Rodgers’ mastery of the read-option and how well he can dress down a defense.
Putting this much stock into a sophomore unknown is unusual. But Sternberger should take it as a badge of honor. There aren’t a lot of teams that would entrust an unknown with a team that has heavy expectations. But I think that also says a lot of Rodgers and his growth. He has been stubborn with youngsters, but this also shows what Sternberger means to Rodgers and it highlights how much it means to Sternberger that Green Bay is giving him a chance.
Now all he has to do is go out and prove it.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (78)
4thand1
March 21, 2020 at 08:34 am
The odds are in our favor to finally get a TE to step up. FA hasn't worked, Jace should be able to put up better numbers than JG right out of the gate this year.
TheVOR
March 22, 2020 at 06:24 pm
Quit drafting, and start developing. WE have Lewis, Jace, and Tonyan, we have all the talent we need at TE. WE just need a QB who's willing to throw the football, and we don't.. DUPP!!! I'm now officially on the "Rodgers has what he needs, he just can't get it done" band wagon, and whats terrifically sad, is film from last year shows it, and shows him refusing to get the ball out and feeling sorry for himself and looking for excuses.
If someone wasn't wearing a 17, he wasn't getting the ball out. We're fine at TE. Arron Rodgers needs to step up or GB needs to move him.
I'd have no issue with 30 being spent on the QB of the future in training. Rodgers needs to step up, the gig is up for Rodgers, if he has another crappy 23 points for game average offense, they need to move his @** along.. Rapidly becoming "NOT A FAN" of this QB.
We don't need to spend a draft pick on a TE. JMO... We have all we need.. Rodgers needs to step up...
HankScorpio
March 21, 2020 at 06:52 am
The 2019 TE draft class was very highly touted. So there is plenty of reason to expect growth from members of that draft class.
greengold
March 21, 2020 at 11:13 am
Especially when you consider Jace had the highest rated hands in his TE draft class. He's one of those guys who battled adversity all through his college career to be very successful. That experience will help him going into year 2 in LaFleur's system. I have zero doubts about him as the starter, and he'll perform well.
jannesbjornson
March 21, 2020 at 01:08 pm
He will only get better. There are TEs from the 4th rd to the 6th.
taarons420
March 21, 2020 at 07:37 am
The Packers' decision to neglect the TE position signals to me that LaFleur is more "McVay" (3 WR, finesse) than "Shanahan" (2 WR, physical).
This disappoints me.
I believe the difficulty the Packers have had "getting over the hump" over the last 10 years stems from their overall lack of physicality.
More often than not, the Packers are the team receiving hits as opposed to delivering them.
Lewis is physical but he's 100 years old.
Sternberger and Tonyan are both ex-WR's (soft).
PeteK
March 21, 2020 at 08:46 am
I didn't like the Sternberger pick. However, I'm now impressed with his upside especially with his willingness to stick his nose in there and do a fine job blocking. He did not back down while blocking one of the toughest DE's , Bosa.
taarons420
March 21, 2020 at 08:59 am
I'll take your word for it.
I turned that sh#tshow of a game off before the first Q was over.
Waste of time.
Typical Packer NFCC game performance.
Down in embarrassing fashion.
NEED TO BE MORE PHYSICAL... BE THE BULLY!
JonathanSpader
March 21, 2020 at 09:11 am
Sign of a true fan. Someone who turns a game off befire the 1st quarter is over. You say be the bully but not being able to sit through a game makss you sound like a wussy fair weather fan.
taarons420
March 21, 2020 at 09:16 am
I had already seen that game.
11/24/19 (wk 12 @ SF)
1/22/17 (NFCC game @ ATL)
Better things to do.
Samson
March 21, 2020 at 10:23 am
JonathanSpader
I had to laugh at your response.. A classic.
You easily "hit the nail on the head"...
jannesbjornson
March 21, 2020 at 01:46 pm
He fronted up , Clowney.
Bure9620
March 21, 2020 at 07:57 am
Delanie Walker is still available and would likely not break the Bank. Not sure Sternberger is ready to be TE #1. Though I like his blocking thus far.
Coldworld
March 21, 2020 at 08:18 am
At some point the realities of cap life mean that you have to go with your draft choices. Like it or not, we picked Sternberger and he needs to play. I’d be much happier if Tonyan takes a step forward as well.
Bayliss has potential as a blocker who could back up Lewis, but I wonder if Looney is really a prospect at TE. Got to be an outside possibility at best, but he has the size and background to be interesting as a successor to Lewis if lightning does strike.
greengold
March 21, 2020 at 02:18 pm
Seriously true.
I'm more than happy to sit tight at TE, and ride into 2020 with Jace, Mercedes and Big Bob. There is a sleeper TE that I'm hoping we can add late.
Guam
March 21, 2020 at 08:31 am
Barring releasing Taylor or Linsley, the Packers are done in free agency this year. A comment on another article showed that the Packers have about $50k left to spend this year which is nowhere near the veteran minimum. Gute has done all he can with the limited cap space the Packers had.
PeteK
March 21, 2020 at 08:37 am
That comment left 7.5 mill for acquiring players during the season, which I think is way too high.
Guam
March 21, 2020 at 03:36 pm
$7.5 million is normal although they have already eaten into that with the signings of Redmond and one other player. I suspect Gute is already down to around $6 million for next season.
dobber
March 21, 2020 at 11:24 am
Apparently the Packers were in on Emmanuel Sanders (who just signed with the Saints). It's not clear based on the report when the Packers checked out, but it could very well be that--for the right players--BG is willing to consider making some moves, yet.
Cartwright
March 22, 2020 at 08:44 am
I believe so too. Think Eric Ebron is going to come on the cheap and he's only 26 years old and a former 1st round pick. Can't believe the Packers will place their hopes on an unproven rookie in a position that is critical in the Matt Lefluer offense.
Fredrik87
March 22, 2020 at 12:49 am
I don't get why we haven't either cut or Taylor or gotten him to take a pay cut, because he costs to much to be riding the bench in my opinion and not good enough to start over Turner or Jenkins.
Coldworld
March 22, 2020 at 10:03 am
Not costing anything at the moment: it’s the off season. He is, as things stand, currently our third best G. He is a possible trade target that could enable Gute to trade for a player he wants and finally, he can be released at any time the team desires.
So that’s why you don’t make a move because it doesn’t open any doors only closes them.
taarons420
March 21, 2020 at 08:56 am
Walker is undersized, old, is aways injured, and is not known for his blocking.
He is a receiving TE.
He's also only 6' tall.
With Rodgers' current state of inaccuracy, that's just not a big enough target.
That's not what the Packers need.
Packers need TE's who are blockers first and pass catchers second (this is also why I'm glad they didn't sign Ebron).
A YOUNG Mercedes Lewis would have been great to have.
I'd sign Nick Vannett before I'd sign Delanie Walker.
marpag1
March 22, 2020 at 04:09 pm
"Delanie Walker is still available and would likely not break the Bank."
I also am available and would likely not break the bank.
mnbadger
March 21, 2020 at 08:38 am
I'm not convinced that Tonyan is as limited as described. Now that AR's bromance with jim g is finally over, he'll get a chance. I also think the TE room will be more in sync as the ego's are out of the equation.
jannesbjornson
March 21, 2020 at 01:11 pm
Maybe he will start wearing hip pads.
fordguy
March 21, 2020 at 05:41 pm
Too soon for that dagger.
Leatherhead
March 21, 2020 at 08:43 am
Why do we need a dynamic pass catching option at TE?
Signing Lewis. Converting Looney. Signing a RT whose strength is run blocking. Do any of those moves say “We’re going to throw more “? What moves has Gutekunst made that would make you think he wants to make us more of a passing team?
Lots of the posters here are in denial over the fact that Gutekunst and LaFleur are transitioning us from a passing team to a running team, but it’s happening anyway.
taarons420
March 21, 2020 at 09:03 am
I wish you were right.
Problem is two of their top 3 TE's are actually converted WR's.
I am 100% on board with getting away from 3 WR sets 80% of the time.
There's only one TE in this draft I have any interest in... Dalton Keene. Everyone else is receiver first (soft).
PS - Looney will never play a snap.
Leatherhead
March 21, 2020 at 09:35 am
Unlike you, I cannot predict the future so I don’t know if Looney will ever play. If he does, it’ll be because he can block his man.
hacksaw61
March 21, 2020 at 12:15 pm
I have to stop you there. Thaddeus Moss is an example in this draft class that is a blocking tight end and he can catch. I am betting there are more. Example: Harrison Bryant, who is arguably the most well rounded tight end in this class. That being said, I do like Dalton Keene as well.
jannesbjornson
March 21, 2020 at 01:50 pm
As well as Sullivan, his team mate @ LSU.
stockholder
March 21, 2020 at 09:13 am
When a defense can't stop the run (SF) You must throw the ball more! 2 minute drills weren't designed for the run. Does that answer your question?
Leatherhead
March 21, 2020 at 09:32 am
No. I would think that if you cannot stop the run you’d want to keep your defense off the field.
stockholder
March 21, 2020 at 10:33 am
If you get behind..You have to throw.. Yes you do want to keep your defense off the field. But you can't play catch-up, unless you throw the ball. Burning the clock, tough yards, and wearing down the defense. Has changed the offense. From West Coast to featured backs again. The packers needed RBs even when they threw the ball.
Leatherhead
March 21, 2020 at 12:07 pm
The 49ers were 29th in passing attempts. You know who has to throw? Teams that cannot run.
jannesbjornson
March 21, 2020 at 01:44 pm
A power back an OT and a guard are coming on board. I don't know why they let Vitale go to Beichick? You need FBs that can catch in the WCO. Maybe they have their eye on a Bigger back like A.J.Dillion and give him a low third grade.
flackcatcher
March 21, 2020 at 06:40 pm
I believe the front office dictated some player personnel moves for the future. Fewer slots for some positions like FB. Goodness, they did need a second FB or big RB who could block in MLF scheme. On Gute's todo list...
greengold
March 21, 2020 at 01:58 pm
F yeah, man!!!! Another reason I'm thinking GB is a better team today with Wagner. He's got a quality Bryan Bulaga was simply not able to offer the Packers in the run game, a wonderful instinct to search and destroy in outside zone blocking. The guy has the speed to get to the 2nd level and an uncanny ability to MAUL any defender he sees as a threat to the running back.
Let's be sure to consider that a POWER rushing attack will help Aaron Rodgers in the latter part of his career. I've personally been dying for them to switch to a greater emphasis on the run, as it keeps pass rushers honest, rather than having their ears pinned back in pass rush 80% +, chews up clock with sustained, long drives, and keeps high powered O's stuck on their own sidelines. It also helps to keep your own D fresh.
Nothing but pluses adding a POWER rushing attack to our offensive plans moving forward. Negatives abound if we do not....
OH. More on topic, and lending to this very point, Jace Sternberger is a GREAT blocker in space.
Fredrik87
March 22, 2020 at 01:42 pm
I agree with everything Sternberger related, but Bulaga was a great run blocker and we are in no way shape or form better with Wagner than we with him, I have no doubt that if they both demanded equal money we would have resigned Bulaga.
I think we will draft a OT to replace Bulaga and use Wagner as more of a stop gap.
greengold
March 21, 2020 at 11:32 am
Totally dig this, Leatherhead!
Sometimes, you just have to look at the tea leaves, the patterns in place, the pieces on the board... Thinking the lessons learned from the tire tracks on LaFleur's back won't be lost on him.
Of course GB will be adding starting help at WR this draft, but, there are opportunities to add insane talents at other positions with 1. a VERY deep WR class loaded with instant starters of all kinds 2. shoring up in FA at ILB and RT. 3. many teams will jump on WR early, allowing GB to take a S or a NT at 30 & 62 - and the depth at WR is so good that instant starters will be found into Day 3.
Wouldn't be surprised to see GB add a top RB early.
Leatherhead
March 21, 2020 at 12:11 pm
I think we will not see a WR drafted by us the first two days. I strongly believe the focus of the draft during the first three rounds will be defense.
greengold
March 21, 2020 at 01:27 pm
They COULD hit insanely good WRs at both 30 and at 62, and I want to emphasize some things about that possibility.
1. There is HISTORIC levels of talent at X, Y & Z at the top of this draft. Incredible speed, and speed is a premium, as exemplified by KC in winning the SB. There are some of the purest Slot WR talents I've seen in decades. Phenomenal Flankers to work alongside or opposite Davante Adams. Also, insanely gifted possession WRs with some of the best measureables + speed + hands that we have not witnessed since 1988.
2. WR was a TIE with RUN STOP as Green Bay's #1 need this offseason. Difficult to say one carries a greater importance to improve the team than the other. We need BOTH areas improved, and drastically so.
3. Aaron Rodgers needs those weapons, the very best Gutekunst can give him to help bring another Lombardi Trophy home. To me, Rodgers DESERVES those weapons, as he's been stuck with blanks in half his chambers, essentially, for at least 2 years running.
4. Our problems were not so much about Rodgers' age, and that he's lost it, or that he's unwilling to throw to rookies. It was about SEPARATION!!!! No one else could get the separation to allow Rodgers to throw with the timing required and the confidence his guy would make the catch. Without those skills, Aaron was left with holding the ball to find a higher percentage option or ditching out on the play.
5. With every WR selection made, another, possibly better talent at a different position drops. This works a bit exponentially when you have teams who have poor draft skills/personnel depts reach on players. As a Draft F'ing LUNATIC, that is why my heart sings when stupid teams make stupid choices...!!! Happens all the time, but, a lot of those defenders you & I both might be wanting could fall into our laps at odd places, and the more WRs snapped up early, the further top talents at other positions drop.
Count me as one guy who would be THRILLED to see the Packers add 2 of the best WRs they can land with their first two choices. I'm not going to worry much about it, as I study the F outta this shit, and I. know instant starters can be had with their R3, along with an additional R3 that I suspect Gutes will trade up for with all the capital he has R4-R7... Hell, instant starters can be had in R4 or later. Very rich and diverse class here.
It is simply that PHENOMS are ripe for the picking at WR in the first 2 rounds.
Can go either way, and I trust Gutekunst 100%, no matter where he decides to go. This is going to be exciting.
jannesbjornson
March 21, 2020 at 01:57 pm
The WR and OT talent dominate the upper end of this draft. I would move on Jackson in the first rd. for the OT and move up in the second for Reagor or Baun. Use 2021 picks to position if necessary. Need two blue chips from this draft.
greengold
March 21, 2020 at 02:16 pm
I understand where you're coming from, but this is not the draft for GB to move up in R1. It just isn't. The amount of draft capital it would take to move simply to 26 from 30 would cost GB's R1, R4, R5 and two R6s...
Much prefer using that ammo to move around R2, possibly to trade out of 30, or stay put and use that back end capital to snap an additional R3.
stockholder
March 22, 2020 at 07:41 am
Were thinking alike. Jackson is to talented, not to take him over a DT. They Love Reagor. And if they don't get him, Ailyuk is the trade up. Dillion and Sullivan are perfect later. HighTower in 5 now.
NickPerry
March 22, 2020 at 06:14 pm
IF they were to draft Johnathon Taylor, Swift, or one of the other top RB's then maybe I'd agree. I think Gute TRIED to roll with what he had last year at WR and MVS burned him and ESB got hurt.
Ricky Wagner was the top paid RT a few years ago when he left Baltimore and it wasn't just because he could run block. Gute has signed two low risk, high reward players in FA. I think we'll see at least 2 WR's picked in the first 4 rounds or so in this draft and we may see an addition yet at WR before or after the draft.
Packman60
March 21, 2020 at 08:50 am
Got to believe the packers think Jace can be the #1 TE being both a solid blocker and dynamic receiving option. Converting Looney indicates to me that they see him as Lewis's heir apparent as the blocking tight end and are focused on ensuring they have a physical presence at the position. Running the football will continue to be a priority.
taarons420
March 21, 2020 at 09:05 am
Converting Looney indicates to me that they realized he can't play DL so they switched him to TE to see if they can salvage a wasted pick.
dobber
March 21, 2020 at 10:59 am
Must be something there they think is worth a flier. Spent all of 2019 on the PS so there's not much risk in it...only possible reward. Few people refer to 7th rounders as wasted picks.
jannesbjornson
March 21, 2020 at 02:02 pm
He drops weight he can master the position, get his quickness back. I would also play him at strong side LB, on heavy sets. I think he can also be the big FB on the point as long as his weight falls in the 250-260 range. He's from a professional football family.
Leatherhead
March 21, 2020 at 02:17 pm
Because our scouting and coaching staff is incompetent, right?
SF had a big TE who caught two passes last year. But he can really block.
PeteK
March 21, 2020 at 09:02 am
Sanders just signed a 2 yr deal with 19 mill. He is good ,but at his age ,not worth that money. Let the smoke clear with these crazy signings which put teams in cap hell. I still think that we'll sign a veteran run stopping DT and slot WR for ins just in case our draft picks in those positions don't work out . We could get Pennel and Gabriel for about 3 mill total.
stockholder
March 21, 2020 at 10:58 am
Jace Sternberger is better then Richard Rodgers. The only thing he lacks is Jarod Cooks Speed. STERNBERGER must show he can be Finley more the Rodgers. His Field Speed , Route running, and Hands, will make him that Te we needed. Finley didn't break any 40 combine record. But yet his route running made him a threat in the NFL. Jace can be Finley. The TEs were considered very strong in 2014. And again in 2019. Jace can prove he's a steal. He only needs to get Rodgers confidence. The packers need clutch players on offense. The days of making use of what we have must end. Jace Sternberger was drafted to be a threat in the NFL. Sternberger must want to be a threat. If he wants money, Jace Sternberger's time must be now.
taarons420
March 21, 2020 at 09:11 am
Finley couldn't block (and has been way overrated since his untimely retirement).
Packers need to move AWAY from TE's who are just big WR's.
Rodgers can't play that game anymore.
Packers should be transitioning to a run-first offense.
This will protect (hide) Rodgers.
Less "Finleys" more "Chmuras".
stockholder
March 21, 2020 at 09:24 am
If Rodgers can't play that game anymore? -- Don't think thats correct. If it is; we need to dump Rodgers and draft a Qb. (The 2 min Drill isn't going away. )
bfarrow
March 21, 2020 at 09:12 am
Eric Ebron is still out their. He's younger than Walker and is a mismatch for most safeties and linbackers. He usually had at least a couple 20+ yard catches against us. He also knows the role of 1TE. On the Delaney Walker side, I still remember him destroying the Packers about 3 years ago with 100+ multi-TD game. He was spiking the ball in the end zone while Dix and Martinez were pointing at each other telling the other they missed their assignment. I know that's not saying much against the Packers because that was their weakness but the guy knows how to run routes and get open. He also knows the role of 1TE. jade needs more time behind a productive pass-catching TE before he's ready to take over the role of number one TE. I think you sign one of these 2 He's. Jade needs a little more time to prove he can be the number one.
stockholder
March 21, 2020 at 09:17 am
Ebron Signed w/Pittsburgh.
taarons420
March 21, 2020 at 09:17 am
Also - garbage blocker.
greengold
March 21, 2020 at 02:23 pm
Ebron and that other douchebottle, I don't even want 'em.
Cartwright
March 22, 2020 at 11:17 am
I was thinking we were going o make a play for Ebron. I guess Sternberger will be "the guy".
Lphill
March 21, 2020 at 09:29 am
Jace is ready to be the number 1 tight end and the Packers can draft a TE later in the draft for special teams, but Gutey is hell bent on signing another past his prime tight end who will keep Jace on the sidelines.
Samson
March 21, 2020 at 10:35 am
I'll quote Stockholder above....
" Jace Sternberger was drafted to be a threat in the NFL."
This is the bottom line... IMHO, JS will become a fixture at TE for the Pack for years... It's called a positive prediction... At this point, no one can refute the premise.
4thand1
March 21, 2020 at 11:05 am
There is everything to like about JS, he plays with an attitude and has good hands. He also seems to run good routes for the small sample size we've seen. I agree with you he'll be a fixture at TE for years. His arrow is pointing up.
Packer_Fan
March 21, 2020 at 11:39 am
After TT passed on keeping cook and then spending money on Bennett and Graham, I am not into signing another free agent and spending even more money. And I don't want to spend money on Ebron or someone like him. So for me, let Sternberger get a chance to develop. And perhaps spend some late round draft capital on another TE.
Leatherhead
March 21, 2020 at 12:16 pm
Lots of teams passed on Cook. Do you ever wonder why?
Bennett is why you don’t sign players with crappy character
The Graham signing is on Gutekunst. The first year, he was abov average. The second year we won 14 games with him as a starter
NickPerry
March 21, 2020 at 01:50 pm
Today I went back and looked at several of the scouting reports on Sternberger. Not only did it get me excited again just like last season when we drafted him, but I'm now even more excited and actually wouldn't be surprised to se him have a pretty impactful season at TE for the Packers.
The guy is an EXCELLENT receiver, great hands, soft hands, good (not great) but good speed, excellent down the seam, and a decent blocker. These were some of the things I read about him BEFORE he was drafted. IMO Sternberger still got a lot of valuable experience in his rookie season. IMO we have a pretty damn good starting TE...He just has to show us now.
greengold
March 21, 2020 at 02:21 pm
'Atta Boy!!!!
splitpea1
March 21, 2020 at 03:04 pm
"In Jace We Trust"...I'm all for it, but if he gets injured again, we don't have much on the cupboard. We need some insurance.
4thand1
March 21, 2020 at 03:07 pm
Tonyan should be the guy. Year 3............it is time
dobber
March 21, 2020 at 04:13 pm
I don't expect a lot of Tonyan. In games when he was healthy, he played about 30% of the offensive snaps last season (about 20% overall), and caught 10 passes...remove his one big sideline catch, and he averaged less than 8 yards per catch. Maybe he turns the corner. The staff must have liked something about him if he was playing as much as he was.
Coldworld
March 22, 2020 at 10:10 am
Well In fairness he was a project. I do agree this year he needs to make an impact as a pass catcher behind JS.
PeteK
March 21, 2020 at 04:29 pm
Year 4, he was signed and released by Lions and then signed to Packers practice squad in 2017. Jace saw more productive snaps in the championship game. Tonyan is a backup.
4thand1
March 21, 2020 at 08:36 pm
I only count proffessional football teams, the lolions don't count.
PackfanNY
March 21, 2020 at 07:32 pm
I have no problem seeing Sternberger get a crack at being TE #1. However, it would have been easier if he was given more time last season. Just like Rashan Gary we learned very little about their capabilities in their rookie years. Too bad.
CoachDino
March 21, 2020 at 07:49 pm
The question I ask myself: Is Jace in Year two better than Graham in 2019.
From what I have seen and read.
Blocking: Jace is better and will only increase the gap. Reportedly a real bright spot in his development
Receiving: From the tape and reports, Jace has a large advantage due to his speed and quickness. Hands are
good, probably make an assumption that Grhams route running is better. I think 95% of gms take Jace on
receiving at this point.
So we in fact by replacing Graham with Sternberger have upgraded TE.
As a team, is spending limited resources on our 3rd TE prudent? 3rd TE should be a special teamer.
We have rec. mismatches in Tonyan and Jace and the Blocking TE in M Lewis.
IMHO the play here is looking for a true old school TE that has good hands and is effective as a receiver with a boost from defenses paying the least attention to him.
Heck, Take Cole Kmet if TE is so important to the Packers this year. I think he will develop into a Top 10 TE in the League.
The question, in the end, is always - Is this the best place to spend limited resources for the team as a whole now and in the future...
Adding Jace, a rd 1- or 2 WR, and getting EQS back is a substantial boost in receiving weapons.
OT,ILB,IDL,CB,IOL
I'd like to see an article addressing our IOL depth. Can we let Lindsey and Turner go in 2021?
Are Cole Madison, Lukas Patrick really the answers? Do we need to draft someone now or are we set?
\Drafts are not executed with the upcoming season being the only valuation criteria.
splitpea1
March 22, 2020 at 11:03 am
Jace is a whole lot cheaper, too.
WMA
March 23, 2020 at 01:19 pm
Jace and Lewis will be fine since we will be unleashing our two headed rushing monster of Jones and Jonathon Taylor (unless a top OT drops to 30).