PREVIOUS POSITIONS
CURRENT SITUATION
On the roster: Hunter Henry (2024 UFA), Mike Gesicki (2024 UFA).
Futures contracts: Matt Sokol, Scotty Washington.
Free agents: None.
Patriots Historical Drafting
Over the last 16 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 a fifth-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. If you go farther back, you get Daniel Graham (Colorado) and Ben Watson (Georgia).
Their last two TE selections, Devin Asiasi (UCLA) and Dalton Keene (Virginia Tech), were big misses and they are no longer on the roster (drafted in 2020).
Draft Expectations for the Position
On average, there are almost 14.5 TEs picked each year but just over one selected in the first round (over the last 6 years). This year, the position is as deep as it’s been in a long time. There are at least two first-rounders, a strong middle class with versatility, and solid contributors can be found on Day 3.
I do expect the Patriots to pick at least one TE, especially since Henry and Gesicki only have one more year remaining. One last point, TEs typically need a year of development before they are ready to be consistent contributors. You may get something out of the player in 2023 but it’s really with 2024 (and beyond) in mind.
Potential First-Rounders
Michael Mayer, Notre Dame (6-5, 249): Mayer is better downfield than he gets credit for and he's tough at the catch (both contested and after). He battles in the run game and he’s good for a college prospect. He was productive right away for Notre Dame (42 catches, 450 yards, 2 TDs as a freshman TE) which is a strong indicator in his ability to make an early impact. He led Notre Dame in catches the last two years even though defenses had to target him. He's a player that can be used on all 4 downs - he plays hard, stays healthy, and is a smart guy. Smaller but like Jason Witten.
Dalton Kincaid, Utah (6-3, 246): Kincaid is a move TE with 55% of his snaps coming from the slot. He might have some of the best hands in the class. Only 2 drops on 109 catchable balls. I watched the UCLA game, and he was good. Solid hands catcher and can move the chains. He was a good basketball player in HS and then started his career at San Diego where he was an FCS All-American as a sophomore. Good on contested catches and he turns into a solid runner after the catch. He's not a blocker at the NFL level, but he's willing to stick his helmet in there. He's essentially going to a slot weapon who will move the sticks for an offense. He’s going to be 24 next year coming off a shoulder injury. The team that picks him will be hoping that he becomes a Travis Kelce-type player. At the very least, his floor is like Gesicki. I think he’ll go in Round 1.
Darnell Washington, Georgia (6-6, 264): He’s a physical specimen. Sometimes scouts take the “alien test”. How many guys in the world are that size, move that fast, and have that type of agility? Things that you can’t coach. Washington looks like an offensive tackle that can hop over defensive backs. He's a mismatch for an offense in both skills but also how they deploy their scheme. While his technique can be hit or miss, he has rare blocking power and huge hands to lock on defenders. Interviews will be important, and he’ll need some development before he’s ready to be a full-time starter, but he reminds me of current Packer, Mercedes Lewis, who’s had a long NFL career.
POTENTIAL PATRIOT FITS BY ROUND
Round 1: Michael Mayer.
I think he’s the only TE worth the 14th pick. He plays like a mini-Gronk, right down to the jersey number. While others had better testing numbers, he’s just a darn good football player
Round 2: Darnell Washington.
If there aren't any off-the-field concerns, then he won’t be there at pick 46. But he could be available earlier in the second if they are targeting a move up or move back.
Round 3: Sam LaPorta, Iowa (6-3, 245).
He's better than you'd think after the catch and good hands. I think his stock is a bit depressed because he played in a terrible passing offense. They had to feed him 10 screens this year and his targets came around the 7-yard mark. Prior to this season, over 70% of his catches went for first downs (love that stat for TEs). LaPorta is a willing blocker but probably not more than average at the next level. Scouts like his toughness and his professional approach to the game. He should be able to handle the routes and complexity of the Patriots scheme. He's a good player who could turn into a starter at the next level, especially in the right scheme.
Round 4: Luke Schoonmaker, Michigan (6-5, 251).
The local New England prospect (Hamden, CT) was a HS QB and baseball pitcher. He took some time at Michigan but he developed well. He has a long frame and carries his weight well (room for more). I also think he has potential to be good in the red area with his size and hands, although he needs to be better at attacking the ball in the combat areas. Schoonmaker was one of the better blocking tight ends in college football and he’s been well-coached at Michigan. He has potential to be an NFL starter at some point.
Round 5: Cameron Latu, Alabama (6-4, 242).
Started his career as a DE and converted to TE where he became a 2-year starter for the Tide. He's adept at moving the chains and does a good job as a hands catcher in traffic. Latu is a smart player that can read coverage and help beat a zone. He’s not the best blocker but he gives full effort in the running game. He didn’t have an elite season (coming off surgery this offseason) but when it mattered this year, Bryce Young looked his way. He’d fit in nicely here and the Patriots will know everything about him because Bill O’Brien was his offensive coordinator at Alabama.
Round 6: Brenton Strange, Penn St (6-4, 253).
Looks like a move TE (or even H-Back) but he can also contribute to the running game. He plays with toughness and he's not afraid to put his helmet into someone's chest. I think he would have been a top 75 pick next year if he had returned to school. The deep class hurts him a bit, but he has solid development potential.
I also considered Payne Durham (Purdue) who I think will be a solid number 2 at the next level.
Round 7: Travis Vokolek, Nebraska (6-6, 259).
He was the best player on the offense in the first half of the first game against Northwestern and then he got hurt. He only missed two games and may not have been fully healthy this season. So, his medicals will be important. He’s a big lumbering TE that uses his body to shield for catches. He’s not going to be an immediate contributor but a good depth option for the Patriots. His path to making a roster is on ST and being an excellent blocker (potential is there). The team captain is well thought of within the Nebraska program.
As an H-back, Jack Colletto (Oregon St) could be an option. He’s versatile (played both sides of the ball) with good hands. He’s not a battering ram but he’s tough and could be a versatile asset (what Dalton Keene was supposed to be). For a more traditional FB, I like Masen Wake (BYU) and Monte Pottebaum (Iowa).
Rankings
Preseason
- Mike Mayer, Notre Dame
- Sam LaPorta, Iowa
- Erick Ali, Michigan (missed the season to injury, transferred to Iowa)
- Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State
- Darnell Washington, Georgia
Post Combine Rankings
- Mike Mayer, Notre Dame
- Darnell Washington, Georgia
- Dalton Kincaid, Utah
- Sam LaPorta, Iowa
- Luke Musgrave, Oregon St