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New England Patriots: 3 tight ends team must target in NFL Draft

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Tight end T.J. Hockenson of Iowa works out during day three of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Tight end T.J. Hockenson of Iowa works out during day three of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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2019 NFL Draft Prospect Jace Sternberger (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
2019 NFL Draft Prospect Jace Sternberger (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

2.  Jace Sternberger, Texas A&M

If the top three tight end prospects are off the board when the New England Patriots are on the clock, one tight end to look at in the second round is Texas A&M prospect Jace Sternberger.

The 6-foot-4, 251-pound tight end is not as flashy as Smith, Fant or Hockenson, Sternberger runs routes like a big receiver and could create matchup problems with his athleticism and ability to run after the catch.

In his final season at Texas A&M, Sternberger caught 48 passes for 832 yards and 10 touchdowns.  His 17.3 average yards per reception was actually better than Smith Jr., but his weakness in the area of blocking is what makes him a less complete tight end.

That doesn’t mean the Patriots shouldn’t target him in the draft if he is available.

According to NFL Draft Insider Jared Tokarz, Jace Sternberger was asked for a top 30 visit with the team, which means they are certainly looking at the Texas A&M prospect as a possibility in their search to find a replacement for Rob Gronkowski.

In all, Sternberger wouldn’t be a bad pick at all for the Patriots.  His ability to run routes and create matchup problems would be more than welcomed by Tom Brady who currently does not have much support surrounding him in the passing game.

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