He may have only spent one year with Texas A&M football but it sure was a memorable one for Jace Sternberger. Where will he go in the NFL Draft?
Jimbo Fisher came upon Jace Sternberger by accident, but man is he excited that he did exactly that. Out of high school, Sternberger chose to go to Kansas. However, a lack of production pushed him to transfer to a community college. He got exactly what he was looking for at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M where he had 21 catches, 336 yards, 16.0 average, six touchdowns. He had FBS coaches lined up to pick him up, but eventually chose Texas A&M, becoming the first big pick up of Jimbo Fisher’s young Aggie career.
At Texas A&M, he jumped onto the scene earning Offensive MVP for Spring Practice. The Aggies hadn’t gotten use of a tight end in years, but that was all about to change with Jace Sternberger. He finished his 2018 by setting team highs with 48 receptions, 832 yards, and 10 touchdowns in 13 games. Now, he is looking to find his way into the NFL. Where will he end up?
Strengths
Jace Sternberger has above average ball skills, something that makes him seem more like a wideout than he does a tight end. He was willing to do the blocking and such that is required of a tight end, but may not be able to do it at the NFL level. However, it seems that he may be able to use those ball skills to make an NFL roster as a slot receiver more than a tight end.
He is a talented route runner that runs routes as an experienced and strong receiver. He makes in-air adjustments and keeps his energy throughout plays, throughout games without missing a beat. He has excellent hand-eye coordination and vision after the catch.
Weaknesses
His biggest weakness is his lack of blocking ability. He showed some ability at the college level, but it just doesn’t seem as if he has enough of it to move to the NFL level. His size and strength are lacking of what a big tight end in the League really needs to be successful. It is more likely that he’d fit in the league as a slot receiver.
Draft Expectations
Jace Sternberger likely won’t be the one to start a new first round streak for the Aggies or anything like that, but he could make himself some big money if he really develops those receiving skills that he already has. He won’t be an NFL level tight end, at least not a strong blocking one. He may be able to be a receiving tight end if a team is alright with his lack of true blocking ability- but I see more of a slot receiver position in Sternberger’s future.