With the Patriots’ 2018 season done, we’re going to take a look back at the team by position, and provide a few thoughts as to what they might need at that spot moving forward. On Monday, we broke down the wide receivers and running backs. Now, it’s on to the tight ends.
2018 depth chart: Rob Gronkowski (47 catches, 682 yards, 3 TDs), Dwayne Allen (3 catches, 27 yards), Jacob Hollister (4 catches, 52 yards), James Develin (12 catches, 61 yards; 4 rushing TDs). (I know Develin is a fullback, but I’m going to group him with the tight ends, because that’s who he works with in practice.)
Contract status: Gronkowski (signed through 2019), Allen (signed through 2019), Hollister (signed through 2019 - RFA), Develin (signed through 2020).
Overview: If the Patriots’ offense had been shorthanded in the past, we’ve been able to point to the tight end position and say, “Well, the presence of Gronkowski can paper over any sort of shortcomings that might exist.” That wasn’t the case in 2018, as the big tight end largely became a complementary part of the offense instead of serving as the centerpiece, as he had been for much of his career. Injuries slowed his production, and by the time December rolled around, the Patriots had largely become a power-running team. (Asked if he missed the end zone, he smiled at one point and said, “I think it misses me.”) There were still flashes of the old Gronkowski magic, but for the most part, he was no longer the overwhelming offensive presence he had been in the past. The good thing? Gronkowski was able to serve as a crushing blocker, helping clear a path for the likes of Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead and James White. Proving he can still crank it up when needed, he had a bit of a renaissance in the postseason with 13 catches for 191 yards, including a HUGE reception in the Super Bowl that set the Patriots up for what turned out to be the deciding touchdown. Ultimately, if he decides to keep playing (more on that in a second), 2018 could be remembered as the year where Gronkowski underwent a career shift, moving from an every-down threat in the passing game to more of a supporting role in the overall offense.
By the numbers: 619 - The number of career receptions in the regular season and postseason Gronkowski has registered on passes from Tom Brady. It’s the second most receptions anyone has from Brady all-time, trailing only Wes Welker (640). Julian Edelman is right behind them both with 607.
A few thoughts about the position moving forward:
From this perspective, I don’t think Gronkowski is going to retire. Maybe they figure out a way to give him a bump as an incentive for one more year on his current deal. Maybe Bill Belichick puts him on some variation of the Mark Bavaro Practice Plan. Perhaps the coaching staff says he doesn’t have to show up for anything this offseason other than the mandatory minicamps. (Hey, it worked last year.) Whatever the case may be, the truth of the matter is that if you want him to continue playing, you have to realize that not all snaps are created equal for the big guy at this stage of his career. From a big-picture standpoint, I can envision a scenario where the tight end now works on a year-to-year situation. If not and he decides to hang ’em up? Well, tight end would suddenly become a much greater priority for New England this offseason than it is right now.
Looking at the rest of the depth chart, in my experience, Allen will likely end up either taking a pay cut or being released. He’s a terrific locker room presence and blocker, but as Miguel has noted on a number of occasions, his cap number is too pricey for someone whose skill set has narrowed over the last year-plus.
I don’t know of anyone on the roster who had a more frustrating season than Hollister. After a really impressive spring, he had a couple of freakish injuries, and never seemed to get on track. He’s a guy worth watching when it comes to the offseason, particularly if there’s personnel movement on the depth chart above him.
And given his level of execution, his cost-effectiveness, and his locker room demeanor, Develin might be one of the most secure guys on the roster. He spent the second half of the year crushing guys while clearing a path for Michel and White. Three of the four teams who took part in championship weekend had a fullback. It's not the only reason, but it might not be completely coincidental.
Chance Patriots address this position in free agency: If Gronkowski sticks around, it’s probably pretty slim. If he leaves, Tyler Eifert is the one name that sticks out to me as a possibility. Of course, you’d have to make some sort of otherworldly deal to make sure he stays healthy, but that’s one name to consider if No. 87 decides to call it a career.
Chance Patriots address this position in the draft: Good. Remember, they do have Ryan Izzo, a rookie who spent all of last year on IR. But even if Gronkowski and Allen do return together, this is a position that needs to get younger going forward.