With just Matt LaCosse and Ryan Izzo at the position, the Patriots obviously could use some help at tight end in this draft. Whether or not they will find it is the real question.
It's a very weak crop as far as impact players, but there are several who should be NFL players for many years with development.
The question the Patriots will be asking themselves is, Are these players better than what we have with LaCosse and Izzo?
The answer might very well be no.
Sure, players like Adam Trautman, Chase Claypool (as a TE and not a WR), Albert Okwuegbunam, Stephen Sullivan and Chase Harrell offer some upside down the line, but nothing that jumps out and says the Patriots need to target them or trade for them.
Just look at this chart that compares the measurables of LaCosse and Izzo when they were in the draft to the top prospects in this one:
[table id=436 /]
Not much of a difference.
There's no question the Patriots need more from the tight end position. But considering the injuries to both LaCosse and Izzo, and the trust factor that is now gone with Tom Brady elsewhere, the Patriots might just think they have good enough already on the roster.
Ranking the top TE prospects through a Patriots lens:
10. Thaddeus Moss, LSU (6-2, 250, n/a, Round 5-7): Went to five different high schools and was originally an NC State player. Very limited speed and playmaking ability, and doesn't offer much blocking. Most of his catches were from uncovered patterns. Needs a lot of development, on and off the field.