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The 2018 NFL season is only halfway over, but with half of the teams already out of the playoff picture, people have turned their sights towards the 2019 season and, more specifically, the 2019 NFL Draft.
You can ignore this if you want, but it’s interesting to see what people are thinking about the needs of the New England Patriots. And it appears that Rob Gronkowski is on the mind in Pro Football Focus’ latest mock draft.
30. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS – TE JACE STERNBERGER, TEXAS A&M
Sternberger has broken out to post the nation’s top receiving grade among tight ends at 89.7 while picking up 8.3 yards after the catch per reception. He adds ‘Gronk insurance’ and two tight end versatility to the New England offense.
The 6’4, 250 pound Sternberger transferred to Texas A&M out of Northern Oklahoma A&M and has dominated the competition. He has 31 catches for 509 yards and 6 touchdowns and he’s a willing blocker. He’s a little undersized for what Bill Belichick likes in his tight ends, but he could be a great addition if he adds another 10 pounds of muscle.
I’d be more curious to look at the linebackers available in the draft, with PFF having two selected ahead of the Patriots projected pick at 30th overall. Other linebackers like Wisconsin’s T.J. Edwards or Texas Tech’s Dakota Allen would be a nice addition to the Patriots linebacker corps.
What positions do you think the Patriots need to address in the 2019 NFL Draft?