Starting to take a closer look at what the Patriots currently have on the roster, and the top draft prospects at each position.
Previously:
TIGHT END
Current Roster
2023 Contract Year
Hunter Henry
Devin Asiasi
Dalton Keene
2024
Jonnu Smith
Patriots Historical Drafting
Over the last 15 years, the Patriots have made 9 TE selections. There’s no trend on where they’ve drafted from, spreading across conferences. This is a position where they’ve had some success. Rob Gronkowski (Arizona) is maybe the best to ever play the position. Aaron Hernandez (Florida) changed how they look at a player’s background (they were always conservative in this regard) but he was productive on the field and earned a second contract. They also hit on Lee Smith (Marshall) who was 5th rounder and someone they tried to sneak onto the practice squad. The Bills claimed him off waivers and he went on to play 11 seasons across 3 teams as a blocker.
The jury is very much still out on their two most recent TE selections, Devin Asiasi (UCLA) and Dalton Keene (Virginia Tech). Availability is the best attribute, and they haven’t been able to stay healthy. Keene will likely get first crack at FB this year, looking to utilize this athleticism like 49ers FB, Kyle Juszczyk.
Draft Expectations for the Position
On average, there are almost 14 TEs picked each year but only 1 to 2 are selected in the first round (over the last 5 years). This year, the position has no elite level talent (ala Kyle Pitts or T.J. Hockenson). The first TE will be taken some time on Day 2 (likely later in Round 2). However, there is a strong middle class for the position and solid contributors can be found on Day 3.
This isn’t a heavy position of need so I don’t expect the Patriots to target early, if at all, but they could make a developmental selection. A solid blocker to support their run game or target a “move” TE if they aren’t confident Smith will perform better going forward.
Potential First-Rounders
NONE
POTENTIAL PATRIOT FITS BY ROUND
Round 1: N/A
The best tight ends in the draft are Trey McBride (Colorado St), Cade Otton (Washington), and Greg Dulcich (UCLA). I don’t expect them to start coming off the board until pick 50, at least.
Round 2: Cade Otton, Washington (6-5, 247).
He's a 4-year starter that comes from a football family and Otton was the lone bright spot for the Huskies this year in the passing game. He has an NFL frame; he’s a clean catcher (very important in that role) and he goes for YAC quickly. Otton’s not a people mover, he lacks the strength, but he is effective when blocking on the move. He injured ankle at the end of the year so his medicals will be important. Ultimately, he does a bunch of things well, not elite, but I believe he can be an efficient player at the next level.
Round 3: Greg Dulcich, UCLA (6-4, 243).
Dulcich is a smart kid that started his career as a walk-on and played his way to first-team All-PAC-12 honors. He does a good job beating linebackers, smooth catcher and can create yards after the catch because of his speed (4.69 40). His best route is up the seam, which the Patriots like. He’s a willing blocker but really needs to get better technique and stronger to compete in the NFL. Not sure if they’ll tap into the UCLA program again after the Asiasi’s lackluster performance (thus far) but I expect they will get good info from Bruins head coach Chip Kelly.
I’ve also written about Jeremy Ruckert (Ohio State) quite a bit. He’s a balanced TE who will be better in the pros than his stats (26 catches, 309 yards, 3 TDs) would indicate.
Round 4: Isaiah Likely, Coastal Carolina (6-4, 245).
The Everett native had a highly productive season (59 catches, 912 yards, 12 TDs). He’s not a true in-line TE in the pro game but more of an athletic, move TE. He'll compete blocking, he’s a tough kid, but that’s not his game and he'll be challenged in the NFL.
I watched him closely at the Senior Bowl. His movements resemble a large wide receiver, he’s quick and he offers plus YAC ability. He led all college TEs in TDs this year and a crazy 27 over his collegiate career. There was a chance for him to be Day 2 pick, but he ran a slower 40 time (4.82). I think a good comparison is somewhere between Seahawk TE Gerald Everett and former Titan Delanie Walker.
Round 5: Austin Allen, Nebraska (6-7, 253).
The team captain was Big Ten Tight End of the Year. He's a tough kid that makes an effort in the run game but could probably stand to add another 10-15 pounds of strength. He's not a man beating tight end, but he has reliable hands and can be a red zone threat. He’s an underrated prospect and I think his best football is in front of him. I think former Bill and Patriot, Scott Chandler is a good comparison.
Round 6: Jalen Wydermyer, Texas A&M (6-5, 255).
He started the season as the top TE prospect in college football but he’s a perplexing evaluation. He can be effective blocking, but he doesn’t always drive and deliver. I liked the routes he ran; he can sell it and he uses his size effectively. While he’s not a dynamic athlete like top TEs in the league, he has plus ball skills. But the knock on him is that he never made the development leap, he has concentration lapses, and he had a terrible pro day which is going to force him to drop considerably. He ran a 5.03 40 and I’ve seen paint dry faster.
That said, I tend to lean on the tape. He was a 3-year starter in the SEC and coaches voted him All-Conference. The Patriots won’t like the concentration lapses (nor do I) so they would need to get comfortable with his mental approach to the game. But he consistently produced for the Aggies and when I watch him, I think of Martellus Bennett and that’s worth the risk this late on Day 3.
Round 7: James Mitchell, Virginia Tech (6-4, 249).
He missed most of the season with a knee injury but going into his senior year this was my report. "One of the more underrated tight ends in college coming into the season. He can be dynamic (for the position) but he’s more of a receiver than a blocker. He has added some weight to help support the run game and improve his draft stock. He's a player to watch." Good upside pick.
As an H-back, Gerrit Prince (UAB) could be an option. He’s very good after the catch and led all TEs in YPC (19.4).
Free Agent Target
TE John FitzPatrick, Georgia (6-7, 262).
He played 30+ snaps a game for the Bulldogs because he was one of the best run blocking TEs in the country. FitzPatrick is a tough kid that played injured all season (stress fractures in both feet) and immediately had surgery the morning after the National Title win. It means he couldn’t participate in the pre-draft cycle which impacts his draft status. He could be a run blocking depth piece that this offense could use given their existing makeup. Smart kid, who is well-liked within the program, and graduated in 3 years. Classic Patriots pick.
Top 5 Tight Ends / H-Backs
Connor Heyward, Michigan St (5-11, 233): Best fullback in the draft and son of Craig “Ironhead” Heyward and brother to current Steeler, Cameron Heyward. Better athlete than he looks, and the former RB can contribute in lots of ways.
Jeremiah Hall, Oklahoma (6-1, 239): Team captain and 3-year starter. H-back is the ideal role although he’ll need to improve his blocking to have a long career. Good teammate and good hands.
Clint Ratkovich, Northern Illinois (6-0, 236): Best player on his team and ran for 890 yards. He can run, catch, block which is the Kyle Juszczyk mold.
John Chenal, Wisconsin (6-2, 254): Strong player that is a hammer in the run game. Brother, Leo, is a top 5 linebacker prospect in this draft. They could be a two for one package.
Zander Horvath, Purdue (6-2, 228): Functioned at running back for Purdue so he’s athletic enough to play fullback but will need to put on size. He does offer catching and special teams’ ability.