The Green Bay Packers knew full well they would have a notable void to fill after parting ways with tight end Jimmy Graham this offseason. Fortunately, tight end Jace Sternberger feels he is more than up to the task.

According to Matt Schneidman of TheAthletic.com, Sternberger feels he is ready to step up as a go-to option in the 2020 NFL season:

“I just got the first one out of the way,” Sternberger said. “I was more worried about, after I scored, ‘OK, we’re only down two possessions. We gotta go.’ It was onto the next one pretty quick. But it was definitely good momentum. I mean I practice to do those things at the same time, so this is what I signed up for. This is what I’m really trying to do. Not trying to be the too-cool-for-school guy, but definitely, I was happy it happened, glad I got it out of the way. It was good momentum for sure, but I’m all ready for this season.”

The Packers took Sternberger in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He struggled to find his footing as a rookie after missing the first half of the 2019 campaign while on injured reserve with an ankle injury.

Despite what was a lost regular season for Sternberger, he was able to make his presence felt in the playoffs. He made his first career reception against the Seattle Seahawks during the NFC Divisional Round before hauling in his first career touchdown in the NFC Championship Game versus the San Francisco 49ers. His comments indicate that he is now looking to get it going right out of the gate this time around.

Graham's departure means the starting job is now up for grabs this offseason. The onus will fall on Sternberger to establish himself as a bonafide successor in the passing game.