With The First Pick
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Patriots will have plenty of options to replace Gronkowski in 2019 NFL Draft

By Bryan Perez

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 03: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots warms up prior to Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 03: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots warms up prior to Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE STATION, TX – AUGUST 30: Jace Sternberger #81 of the Texas A&M Aggies scores on a 7 yard touchdown reception against the Northwestern State Demons during the first half of a football game at Kyle Field on August 30, 2018 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TX – AUGUST 30: Jace Sternberger #81 of the Texas A&M Aggies scores on a 7 yard touchdown reception against the Northwestern State Demons during the first half of a football game at Kyle Field on August 30, 2018 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

Jace Sternberger | Texas A&M

Sternberger is the sleeper in this year’s tight end class. He has only one year of production at Texas A&M after transferring from Kansas, but what a year it was. He finished 2018 with 832 yards and 10 touchdowns, flashing the ability to stretch the field as a three-level weapon in the passing game.

Must Read. 2019 NFL Draft: Complete 7-round mock draft. light

He didn’t do as well as expected at the NFL Combine, and his performance ended any chance of him being a sleeper to climb into the first round. He ran a 4.75 40-yard dash, which is plenty fast enough to make an impact in the NFL but just doesn’t qualify as first-round worthy when it’s all said and done.

And that’s a great thing for the Patriots, who could target Sternberger as a second-round pick with starting upside. This would be a rich-getting-richer selection for New England, who can groom Sternberger into their next generation high-level pass-catcher at the position.

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