Green Bay Packers: 2019 draft class looking strong near end of year 2
The Rest
Jace Sternberger, the Green Bay Packers third-round pick back in 2019, had expectations to be the breakout player on offense in 2020. Instead, that title went to fellow tight end Robert Tonyan. Sternberger only caught 12 passes in 2020 and has dealt with a concussion in recent weeks.
The tight end position remains one of the tougher ones to make an immediate impact, and Packers fans will have bigger expectations in 2021. It’s too early to call this pick a bust, but it hurts that Terry McLaurin went one pick after.
The defensive line needs some help in the offseason, but Kingsley Keke has done a solid job in the rotation in his second season. Keke flashed potential to be an interior disruptor, logging four sacks in year two, along with three tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, two passes defensed, and one forced fumble. There’s work to be done with his effectiveness holding ground against the run at times, but his development is going well.
Last on the notables is corner Ka’Dar Hollman, a sixth-round pick at corner out of Toledo. After playing in just four games in 2019, Hollman played in 14 games in 2020, logging most of his snaps in the slot. He played competitive football when he was on the field, showing the ability to make plays on the football (three passes defensed) and was good coming up to make plays against the run. He’s definitely gained the favor of defensive coordinator Mike Pettine.
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Verdict
It’s clear that many of the older guard in Green Bay has plenty to do with their outstanding 2020 season, but it’s great to see general manager Brian Gutekunst’s second draft class contributing in an important way. The first three picks look like contributors for a long time, and getting quality snaps and play from others is a big plus. Analysts will use the 2020 class as a downer, but the Green Bay Packers’ history of good drafting shows from the 2019 NFL Draft class.