Kansas City Chiefs: Jace Sternberger is a popular name for Chiefs fans
By John McCarty
The Kansas City Chiefs have scouted Texas A&M tight end Jace Sternberger and center Erik McCoy. Either player could land with the Chiefs in the second round if they’re still on the board.
The Kansas City Chiefs focus on the draft now turns to the second round. A few popular names mentioned for the Chiefs are tight end Jace Sternberger and center Erik McCoy.
Jeff Shull of gigemgazette.com was able to answer a few questions and provide insight into the two draft prospects that could interest the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday.
Tight End Jace Sternberger
Was his declaration expected?
Before the season this answer would have been no, but given he achieved basically everything he could have achieved individually in one season — consensus First Team All American, led the team in all receiving categories — most Aggie fans would have expected it if they were being honest.
What does Jace Sternberger do best?
He has incredible hands. He was the Aggies’ most reliable receiving option by far last year with just three drops on 81 targets. He can make catches in traffic, high point the ball on deep throws, and isn’t afraid when going across the middle of the field.
What does he need to improve on?
This will bleed into the question below, but he doesn’t have the best strength for blocking at the next level. He needs to bulk up, and apparently has in preparation for the draft, telling reporters at Texas A&M’s Pro Day he put on 12 pounds of muscle.
Can Jace Sternberger block?
He is 100 percent a willing blocker. He will throw his body around and has never been questioned for his effort. The thing holding him back was strength, so the more powerful linebackers and defensive lineman would give him trouble. He needs to continue adding muscle to consistently block well in the NFL.
How did Texas A&M use Sternberger? What was he primarily asked to do?
He was used in a variety of ways, but he ended up being Texas A&M’s best deep threat by far. He led all receivers with 17.3 yards per catch, doing most of his damage up the seams winning mismatches with linebackers and safeties.
Did the coaches/staff know what they had with Sternberger when they recruited him?
Absolutely. Jimbo Fisher raved about Sternberger from day one and it only took the Spring Game for people to find out how special he would be.
What kind of person is Jace Sternberger?
Very well liked by his teammates, extremely hard worker. Will be a great locker room guy wherever he ends up.
Center Erik McCoy
What does Erik McCoy do best?
He doesn’t have a weakness, but his pass blocking has always been better than his run blocking. He allowed just 19 total pressures across 1,445 pass-blocking snaps in three seasons and was top five among this year’s centers in PFF’s pass blocking efficiency over the same time frame.
What does he need to improve on?
He can still get better as a run blocker. He had his best year in 2018 and improved every year on campus so any team that drafts him will be getting a guy who’s willing to put in the work to get better.
Better in run or pass blocking?
Pass blocking.
What kind of person is McCoy?
Was named a team captain in 2018. That should tell you everything.
Do A&M fans follow the draft position/destinations of their players?
Absolutely. Much like the Aggie network takes care of each other after school, fans love to see Aggies doing well in the NFL. It’s even better when those players are high draft picks like McCoy will likely be.
My Thoughts
Sternberger is perhaps my favorite option for the Chiefs at tight end in the second round should he be on the board. The Chiefs have a need at the position and could use the help in the short-term, but also some insurance in case Kelce gets old fast in the long-term.
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The idea of Sternberger learning the finer points of the position from Kelce while providing depth at the position would be ideal.
Erik McCoy would be a steal at the back of the second round and probably isn’t there when the Chiefs are on the clock, but strange things happen on draft day. A team may want a skill position player over the offensive lineman and that could open things up for the Chiefs to take McCoy.