Packers 2019 Draft: Day 2 Analysis
A breakdown of the Green Bay Packers two selections on Day 2 of the 2019 NFL Draft.
By DanDahlke
With their two selections on the second day of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers bolster their offense by drafting a versatile offensive lineman and pass-catching tight end.
Round 2 (44): Elgton Jenkins, Offensive Lineman, Mississippi State
Measurables/Combine:
6’4’’, 310 lbs, 34” arms, 28” vertical, 109” broad jump, 7.77 3-cone, 4.62 20-yd shuttle
Career Notes:
Having played four of the five offensive line positions at Mississippi State, Jenkins is a versatile lineman with intriguing athletic upside. He is a natural fit for a zone-blocking scheme, as he's quick to get to the second level and light on his feet as he moves laterally.
After starting three games at tackle as a freshman, Jenkins also logged five starts his sophomore season at both left tackle and left guard. He finally found his home at the center position in 2017, starting all but one of the 13 games his junior season, proving he can anchor the Bulldogs offensive line.
The Clarksdale, Mississippi native really put himself on the map as one of the top centers in the country his senior season, where he started all 13 games in 2018. According to Pro Football Focus, Jenkins impressively only allowed one sack in the 762 pass snaps he took at center his junior and senior seasons.
What They’re Saying:
“Strength and anchor, that's what you see in pass protection. He started at four positions and they need help on the offensive line.” -- Daniel Jeremiah from NFL.com
“This is one of the guys that was on my better than list. People say McCoy and Bradbury, but he was right there with them. He’s an athletic kid, he can get up the field and he’s a nasty kid at times. He’s gonna be a good player for the Packers.” – CBS Sports
“Corey Linsley has been solid-if-unspectacular at center for years. Jenkins could overtake him, move to guard or provide multi-position depth. This is another peculiar, non-need pick.” – Mike Tanier from Bleacher Report
“Jenkins brings versatility to the interior, which the Packers will covet given their injury history on the back end.” – The Draft Network
Other Options on the Board:
It is no surprise the Packers spent an early-round pick to help reinforce their offensive line. While linemen like Wisconsin's David Edwards and Penn State's Connor McGovern were still on the board, it is clear Jenkins was the highest rated offensive lineman available.
If the Packers wanted to go in another direction they could have also thought about selecting a high profile receiver like A.J. Brown or D.K. Metcalf or select an athletic tight end like Alabama's Irv Smith Jr. There were also a few talented defensive prospects still out there if Green Bay wanted to keep addressing that side of the ball.
Speedy cornerback Greedy Williams and athletic pass rusher Ben Banogu only went a few picks later. Mack Wilson could have also got some consideration if the Packers wanted to bring in an off-ball linebacker with starting potential.
Why they went with Jenkins:
Jenkins fills a clear need on the Packers roster. With Bryan Bulaga entering the last year of his contract and Jordan McCray coming off a season where he really struggled at the starting right guard spot, Jenkins in addition to recently signed free agent Billy Turner give the Packers a lot of versatility on the offensive line.
Turner's ability to fill in at guard or tackle could mean Jenkins' future is most likely at guard. However, there should be a heated battle in training camp this summer for the starting right guard spot between Turner, McCray, and Jenkins. Despite how things play out this season, the future of the Packers right side of the line could shape up to be an effective Jenkins-Turner combo, which is promising.
Jenkins also gives the Packers an emergency option at center if Corey Linsley goes down with injury. Green Bay continues to bring in versatile linemen with the selection of Jenkins.
Video:
Round 3 (75): Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A&M
Measurables/Combine:
6'4'', 251 lbs, 4.75 40yd, 17 bench reps, 31.5" vertical, 113" broad jump, 7.19 3-cone, 4.31 20yd shuttle, 12.09 60yd shuttle
Career Notes:
Sternberger made several stops before he finally landed in Texas A&M in 2018 as a redshirt junior. After a forgettable freshman season with Kansas State, Sternberger transferred to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M to refine his game and improve his opportunities.
The move worked because after he caught 21 receptions for 336 yards and six touchdowns in 2017, the Aggies recruited the 6-foot-4 and 251-pound tight end to feature in their spread offense in 2018. Even though he only spent one year at Texas A&M, Sternberger made it count.
He earned the team's offensive MVP honors, leading the club in receptions (48), receiving yards (832), and receiving touchdowns (10). He also earned first-team All-American honors as he established himself as one of the nation's top college tight ends.
What They’re Saying:
“After the semi-failed Jimmy Graham experiment, the Packers add a tight end with dynamic receiving upside.” – The Draft Network
“He's very fluid and instinctive. He can really stretch the field, you can flex him out. They're going to use him the same way the Eagles use Zach Ertz.” -- Daniel Jeremiah from NFL.com
“If he were bigger and less of a gather-up runner, Sternberger would have Zach Ertz-level potential. But even as he is, he can be a perennial 60-catch threat with big-play capabilities who can also make a positive contribution in the running game. He’s an ideal fit in Matt LaFleur’s McVay/Shanahan-scented offense because of his versatility as an in-line tight end.” – Mike Tanier from Bleacher Report
Other Options on the Board:
The Packers passed up speedy Ohio State wide receiver Terry McClaurin and Michigan defensive end Chase Winovich to select Sternberger. Both McClaurin and Winovich came off the board the next two picks. Green Bay also chose Sternberger over other young promising tight end prospects, like Dawson Knox out of Ole Miss and San Diego State's Kahale Warring.
Why they went with:
It's clear Sternberger addesses another glaring need on the Packers offense. They helped shore up their offensive line with their second-round pick and they already gave the defense some love on day one of the draft, so selecting a tight end who can stretch the field makes a lot of sense here.
Sternberger's ability to play in-line and block in the run game or line up wide in the slot as a pass catcher gives Green Gay a lot of versatility at the tight end position. Sternberger's game compliments well what Jimmy Graham already brings to the field.
His production in the pass game also has to be encouraging, as the Packers could use more reliable weapons on offense. While Sternberger isn't an elite athlete by any means, his consistency as a blocker and his reliable hands give Green Bay a young exciting player to develop at the tight end position.
Video:
Comments (63)
GBPDAN1
April 26, 2019 at 09:26 pm
I'm happy with day 2
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 10:02 pm
Elgton
JACE
Rashan
Darnell
Oh brother, can't wait for round 4. Oh yeah there is no round 4.
Rounds 5-7 Should just be as interesting as rounds 1-3.
Doug Niemczynski
April 27, 2019 at 10:43 am
You don't have much of a choice. They are Packers now.
tm_inter
April 26, 2019 at 10:27 pm
I'm happy with the Packers' first four picks. Go Pack Go!
HankScorpio
April 27, 2019 at 06:29 am
If you told me a week ago the Packers would head into day 3 with an OLB, S, OL and TE, I'd have been thrilled. I'm not entirely happy with how they got there. I would have preferred Burns to Gary, McCoy to Jenkins, Warring to Sternberger and don't like that Savage cost 3 picks.
But I'm just some hack watching a few youtube videos and reading a bunch of reports. So I'm willing to concede that I may be wrong with my preferences. :)
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 27, 2019 at 07:45 am
Hank right there with you!
At end of day what do I know?
Doug Niemczynski
April 27, 2019 at 08:08 am
I'm sure you are.
albert999
April 27, 2019 at 08:10 am
I AGREE HANK
I would have done exactly what you said
Not sure Gute did well???
Wilment
April 27, 2019 at 12:38 pm
Right there with you Hank. The first pick was perplexing....the second pick was (I think) a good one, but donating all that other draft capital was surprising. I like Jenkins and Sternberger both, in as they will both(IMHO) contribute from day one.
Handsback
April 26, 2019 at 10:27 pm
Think for a moment of the guys fighting for a starting spots? The UDFAs verses drafted solid linemen. There will be blood on that field. The starters will be honed by competition. Rodgers and the RBs will be very happy.
dobber
April 27, 2019 at 09:53 am
With the current trend toward pressure through the A-gaps, my hope is that the Jenkins pick makes a positive difference. Strength to anchor, but he seems like a phone-booth player.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 28, 2019 at 02:14 am
This guy is a center who probably can play guard. I really doubt he can play RT. The write-up also was odd. Jenkins is hardly an emergency center, it is his best position. Centers taken 44th should be pretty darn good. He might be an emergency RT, though I just don't see it.
That said, he is a good player. Even with some positional value issues he was not over-drafted at #44.
Patrick
April 26, 2019 at 10:29 pm
It's been a while since GB had a good tight end...
4thand10
April 26, 2019 at 11:36 pm
I’m hoping he works out. The highlights on YouTube were amazing. 6’4 251 is an ideal prototype for a TE. Looks like, the guy can catch everything. DL, S, Ol, TE....most of the needs filled. I was selfish and wanted a WR like Samuel this year, or a RB like David Montgomery.
NickPerry
April 27, 2019 at 04:06 am
I like Samuel too but considering where he went (top of 2nd round) I'm pretty pleased with day 2. Gute addressed areas of need, didn't reach whatsoever, and made the Packers a better football team.
Doug Niemczynski
April 27, 2019 at 08:09 am
What was amazing about Jace?
Dagger
April 26, 2019 at 10:41 pm
Feeling better about today and liking the picks just wishing there were more of them in the fourth. Oline helped and TE has been elevated with the Jace Sternberger pick.Appears to be an ascending player. Looking forward to round 5,6,7. I predict the packers will take Matt Gay the kicker form Utah in the 7th round. When Crosby started pointing fingers at others instead of himself I felt it was time to give him some real competition. No disrespect to the ficken kicker they picked up recently. Crosby was ficken disrespectful to his holder.
albert999
April 27, 2019 at 08:14 am
Matt Gay would be a steal
Great kicker
Johnblood27
April 26, 2019 at 10:45 pm
4.75 40
Welcome to GB Richard Rogers.
Doug Niemczynski
April 27, 2019 at 08:06 am
Yep and I wasn't overly impressed, but for whatever reason defenders had a hard time getting him down. Not sure if he will get lucky enough in NFL to do the same The guy cannot block worth a lick, but he does have good catch radius and can run good routes, but I did not see anything spectacular. We will see iin REAL games and not pre-season.
Did the Packers plan for this draft at all?
ScaryGary
April 26, 2019 at 10:57 pm
shoot for the moon. bryce love in round 5, preston wilson and some guys that can be a warm body and good on special teams in round 6 and 7 (cameron smith/tj edwards/dakota allen)
Doug Niemczynski
April 27, 2019 at 04:11 am
Richard Roger's II
Bure9620
April 27, 2019 at 07:23 am
Do you watch film?
dobber
April 27, 2019 at 09:35 am
Does "Rocky and Bullwinkle" count?
Dagger
April 26, 2019 at 11:02 pm
In all honesty Sternberger is quite different than Richard Rodgers. Different body sizes. Rodgers is much thicker and way less shifty and quick. Check out the film. I think you will see what i mean.
McFly
April 27, 2019 at 09:24 am
Physically they are more similar than different, actually.
Rodgers
HT: 6'4" WT: 257LBS.
ARM LENGTH: 32 5/8"
HANDS: 10 1/8"
COMBINE RESULTS
40 YARD DASH: 4.87 SEC
BENCH PRESS: 16 REPS
VERTICAL JUMP: 31.5 INCH
BROAD JUMP: 116.0 INCH
3 CONE DRILL: 7.23 SEC
20 YARD SHUTTLE: 4.47 SEC
Sternberger
HT: 6'4" WT: 251LBS.
ARM LENGTH: 32 1/8"
HANDS: 9 3/4"
COMBINE RESULTS
40 YARD DASH: 4.75 SEC
BENCH PRESS: 17 REPS
VERTICAL JUMP: 31.5 INCH
BROAD JUMP: 113.0 INCH
3 CONE DRILL: 7.19 SEC
20 YARD SHUTTLE: 4.31 SEC
hobowilly
April 26, 2019 at 11:09 pm
just an observation mind you, but if GB thought the higher ranking O linemen available prior to 44 were really dynamic, they'd have worked the phones IMHO. Looks like they hired a Swiss blade for the line, who some had graded as 26 highest in the draft. On the Aggie, i had a strong suspicion they wanted him over Smith (some schools just have that hype, e.g. Michigan & Ohio St)....GB is set @ TE for sure but let's see if they work him into the lineup this season...I believe in MLF and Nate--let's watch with anticipation!
Doug Niemczynski
April 27, 2019 at 08:11 am
Center to Guard and he is versatile? Tackle and Guard is versatile.
J0hn Denver's Gavel
April 26, 2019 at 11:51 pm
Welcome to "Green Gay," Jace!
Littlejim51
April 27, 2019 at 05:19 am
I'm good with day 2 picks. Versatile OL and a TE.
tm_inter
April 27, 2019 at 06:27 am
He earned the team's offensive MVP honors, leading the club in receptions (48), receiving yards (832), and receiving touchdowns (10).
......................................................
I think Aaron Rodgers would look forward to having a new red zone target, especially one in the endzone.
Doug Niemczynski
April 27, 2019 at 10:40 am
Someone has to be the voice of reason instead of just a tag along. If we are all agreeing then someone isn't thinking. George Patton
gary g
April 27, 2019 at 06:37 am
Its great to have so many experts on this site sharing their views. I dont have to read or watch anything else about Sternberger to know hes another Richard Rodgers. Doug you would complain if you hit the lottery.
stockholder
April 27, 2019 at 07:26 am
Who would have been better in rd. 3? Winovich or Ferguson? Gary was picked. So cross off both. Savage was their want. Not Thornhill. They needed a TE more later. They needed a IOL more then TE in rd 2. Forget Smith TE. Gute should have gone up for risner. Pertect A-Rod first. Their board was Edge, S, IOL, TE. But in truth Gute won't get a A in this draft. His first round is to much of a gamble. Gary and Savage aren't solid picks. Both carry a high bust rating.
EddieLeeIvory
April 27, 2019 at 06:45 am
Looking at the film, Jace scored 10 TDs and many of them came on tough grabs in the end zone on plays similar to what Jimmy Graham failed to come away with the catch last year.
#1 I hope we see Jace do this for us......
#2 After Graham is gone because I hope Jimmy is making those type of grabs this season.
stockholder
April 27, 2019 at 06:57 am
Risner @41. Was a Rd.1 mocked player. Could have played center. Risner was the guy he should have traded up for. @40
justjan
April 27, 2019 at 09:06 am
How high did you want them to trade? and with what other pick?
gary g
April 27, 2019 at 06:55 am
For all those who think Sternberger is way to slow. Rob Gronkowski ran 4.68 in the 40. That lack of speed really killed him. He was just the best TE in the league for awhile.
Doug Niemczynski
April 27, 2019 at 07:59 am
Yeah.4.68 for Gronk which is still faster than 4.75 for Jace and Gronk is 6'6 265 lbs !!
McFly
April 27, 2019 at 09:26 am
Not a good comp. Gronk was the best blocking TE in the league for nearly his entire career. Jace doesn’t block. His comp is actually closer to what Graham is now, albeit with better hands than Jimmy.
Uthy
April 27, 2019 at 07:03 am
Please give us Greg Dortch, Ryquell Armstead, or Justice Hill in round 5, Porter Gustin, Jalen Jelks, or Alize Mack in round 6/7. But I think we still need a returner/quick slot receiver....and Dortch/Hill could be real nice pickups! Uthy out.
Doug Niemczynski
April 27, 2019 at 07:54 am
1. Rashan Gary - Labeled as Raw Talent. We needed an impact player that can start day 1.
. This 1 move screwed up the whole rest of the draft!! Christian Wilkins was right there if you wanted defense. Player Grade D and Gute gets D-
1. Darnell Savage- From what I can tell this far he gets a . Gave up 2 4th round picks and destroyed ability to maneuver in 2nd, 3rd and 4th rounds.Grade B- and Gute C- -
2. Elgton Jenkins - Guard I will give a e needed a RT!! But, could have given Rodgers a weapon. You got Madison back and you got Billy Turner and Greedy Williams CB was still there. Went #46. We needed RT in this draft Height 6'3.Grade B and Gute C-.
4. Jace Sternberger TE - Thought that maybe Hockenson at #12 or Fant at around 30. I am not sure what to give this pick. I will give C+ with B potential and Gute C-.
Gute basically gets a C-. Terrible since he got an A last year. I'm pretty hesitant on Gute now. You DON'T take a PROJECT player at #12
NMPF
April 27, 2019 at 08:30 am
We needed an impact player that can start day 1. We? We? LMFAO
Bedrock
April 27, 2019 at 08:33 am
Oh you’re right. I don’t take potential at #12.
Gute does, however. Settle down. This was Christmas and you’re ungrateful. That’s one of the steps to being miserable in life.
JohnnyLogan
April 27, 2019 at 08:43 am
1) The upside for Gary much greater than Wilkins. Also provides more opportunities for attacking the QB.
2) Savage a fast, tough ballhawk to compliment Amos. Want a good player that everyone is clamoring for... go get him.
3) Jenkins big and tough will play guard and backup center. Great pick
4) Sternberger has enough speed and great hands to be a threat down the seam. Can even play the slot. Great route runner. 10 TD's. All Hock has over him is blocking but that isn't worth taking in the 1st vs. 3rd.
Gute done good!
Doug Niemczynski
April 27, 2019 at 10:38 am
7 Super Bowls. That pretty much shuts everyone up.
justjan
April 27, 2019 at 09:11 am
Doug N, I know this is a crazy idea, but how about you see how they are on the field? Better yet, maybe you should follow the Patriots. They are having a good draft.
Doug Niemczynski
April 27, 2019 at 10:38 am
Yes we.
albert999
April 27, 2019 at 08:24 am
1st Round, No. 12 overall | Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan
Analysis: Gary has potential and size, but not the tape or the health. His pre-draft medical screening revealed a torn labrum, but he will opt to not undergo shoulder surgery until after the season. That has not worked for guys in the past (see: Shaq Lawson).
Instant Grade: C-minus
Turophile
April 27, 2019 at 09:36 am
What would your grade have been on Davante Adams after his first year............or his second ?
Instant grades are pointless. What actually matters is the career, not a reflex grade.
albert999
April 27, 2019 at 11:43 am
not my grade
copied from a report
albert999
April 27, 2019 at 11:44 am
did you know he was injured?
probably not
ReaganRulz
April 27, 2019 at 08:25 am
It’s a new day in Packerland peeps. No more sit back and follow the “draft and develop” philosophy. We are adding players through free agency which is sooooo different than the old regime. So lets not get so wrapped up into the micro-details of every draft pick.....these are good players period....and it’s impossible to compare any of them to the future performance of ANY other player.
If we look at the BIG picture since the season ended, I think that the Pack is back on track with a refreshing approach!!
Lphill
April 27, 2019 at 08:30 am
I think the Packers lost too much on the Savage move , good player but might have fell to them at 30 anyway unless they knew he was on someone else’s board, I just wish they picked up a middle linebacker there were others besides White and Bush .
Since'61
April 27, 2019 at 09:15 am
If we look at what Gute has done between FA and the draft he has addressed 4 areas of need on the team.
Edge check, Safety check, OL check, TE check.
With FA and round one he has added 5 players to the defense who will likely contribute on day one. At least 4 of them will be starters and maybe all 5. Plus the defense is faster and more athletic than it has been in a long time.
On offense he has signed and drafted versatile OL players. We finally have plenty of depth in the OL.
He has made a good, solid pick at TE. Richard Rodgers was a reach when TT took him in the 3rd round. Jace was taken about where he should have been.
I don't look at the draft in isolation or player by player. I try to look at it in conjunction with FA, other moves and holistically for the team. So far Gute has consistently made good moves. How they ultimately work out is up to the coaches and the players themselves. We are a better team today than we were 2 days ago and prior to the FA period.
Today, I'm hoping for an RB, a WR, a CB, and a DL. Hopefully the WR or the CB can be a kick returner as well. Go Pack Go. Thanks, Since '61
Turophile
April 27, 2019 at 09:37 am
After getting a RB, everything else is just the gravy poured on top.
Since'61
April 27, 2019 at 09:55 am
Agree Turo. An actual KR/PR would be nice as well. Thanks, Since '61
Doug Niemczynski
April 27, 2019 at 10:35 am
Gravy? Win the division, the NFC championship and the Super Bowl and then we will talk about Gravy.
RCPackerFan
April 27, 2019 at 10:21 am
Well said '61.
When we look at the offseason as a whole we can look at what they did as a team.
We have added a new offense. An offense that will no longer be as predictable. That will be a huge change.
Then they brought in OL help. We have 3 new players to our OL this year. They brought in Turner who could be RG and backup RT. They then got Cole Madison back. He could be a starting G this year. But is a question mark. At the very least he will provide competition. Then they draft Jenkins in the second round who you have to figure will be a starting G.
In the draft they added a TE. This was a good move I think. They needed more playmaking ability at TE and Sternberger could be that guy. At the very least he will have a year to learn under Graham and Lewis.
On defense they really have changed the look of it with players. They brought in 2 pass rushers and a Safety in FA. Then in the draft they added another pass rusher and safety. They have added 5 new players to our defense and at 2 of the weakest positions.
Through the draft and FA so far they have completely retooled our OL, Pass Rush and Safety. They have added another TE.
Today I am hoping for a RB. They should be able to still add some good talent there. RB's you can find good ones anywhere in the draft. RB IMO is the last big need they need to address. They want to run the ball. They need to add more to the position.
I would like another WR, but to me this isn't as big of a deal. Remember they drafted 3 last year. They should be taking a step. Also they are getting Allison back, and don't forget about Trevor Davis. While he may not be on the team, this is a new scheme. He might have a bigger role in it.
They could use another ILB. And can always use more CB's.
DL with Gary they don't necessarily 'need' a DL and they could always resign WIlkerson.
blacke00
April 27, 2019 at 09:36 am
So far in this draft the Packers and probably the other teams in the league as well( if you analyzed them) did as exactly as I said. They did not draft "BPA" but targeted players based on their team needs! Yes, the "BPA" for their team needs!
If you were paying attention almost everyone here and else where indicated the Packer needs (EGDE, OL, S, TE).
What did the Packers do? Exactly that! (Maybe not in that order) The players they wanted were Identified early and they made sure they got them.
BTW "Since '61" nice analysis. I wish others on this board had you're clear thinking..
Since'61
April 27, 2019 at 09:57 am
Just a different perspective. I appreciate your generous comment.
Be well. Thanks, Since '61
AgrippaLII
April 27, 2019 at 09:45 am
I'm on board with these two picks. Reading that Jenkins has somewhat of a nasty streak did it for me. He'll be real competition for Linsley...at the very least having a backup who is actually a center is huge! Sternberger is a TE who can actually catch the football so that is something we haven't seen in Green Bay for quit a while. I guess the bottom line is to ask myself if Gutekunst's picks have made the Packers a better team. In hindsight I've got to admit that they have!
Doug Niemczynski
April 27, 2019 at 10:33 am
I can pick up players off the street and fill the packers needs. That doesn't mean anything.
It's over and done with now. So, only time will tell. Hopefully, I'm wrong about Gary.
Now, we have to hope for the best. Draft will be over today.