Patriots Historical Drafting
Over the past 18 years, the Patriots have made 10 TE selections. They have 1 player on the roster, Jaheim Bell (Florida St), from the current regime.
Draft Expectations for the Position
On average, there are almost 14.5 TEs picked each year, with just over one selected in the first round (over the last 8 years). This year, the position is deep. There are at least two first-rounders, a strong middle class with versatility, and solid contributors can be found on Day 3.
If the draft falls their way, I do expect the Patriots to pick a TE, especially since Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper are longer in the tooth. 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 2025 but it’s really with 2026 (and beyond) in mind.
POTENTIAL PATRIOT FITS BY ROUND
Round 1: Colston Loveland, Michigan (6-6, 248)
He was their top skill player on a one-dimensional offense. While he was often split out, he showed the ability to play inline, though he’ll need refinement as a blocker. He’s being drafted as a modern mismatch weapon. Smooth mover with a great frame, Loveland has the athletic traits and upside to be a top-5 TE in the league. I believe he’s a sure-fire first-rounder even in a league that deprioritizes the position. He can contribute early in the passing game and evolve into a cornerstone TE1.
Round 2: Mason Taylor, LSU (6-5, 251)
Patriots fans know Jason Taylor well. He terrorized both Bledsoe and then Brady. Mason is the son of a Hall of Famer. He’s athletic, versatile, and young (will be 21 as a rookie). He lined up inline and flexed, showing fluidity and strong hands. He was never the featured weapon at LSU, but he contributed all three years and was named 3rd-Team All-SEC in 2024. Solid in contested catch situations and a willing blocker (bench numbers back that up), but nothing dominant on tape. I still think is upside is a projection, but the tools are there, and he should develop into a starter.
Round 3: Terrance Ferguson, Oregon (6-5, 247)
Ferguson showed good speed at the Senior Bowl and brings toughness (he’s played injured). He’s a classic move TE. He’s not a plus blocker, but competitive. He could contribute as a rookie in the passing game, especially the red zone. I don’t think he has a super high ceiling but I do think he has a floor as a solid football player.
Round 4: Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame (6-4, 258)
If they don’t go TE early, this is who I want them to target. If not for injuries, Evans would be higher. He broke his foot in 2022 and tore his ACL in 2023, but he was having a breakout year before going down. Physical route runner, good hands, and led Notre Dame in receptions the past two seasons. He’s not a refined blocker, but competes, and ND tight ends generally know what they’re doing. Medicals will dictate his floor/ceiling but if healthy, he’s one of the best value picks on Day 3 and could develop into a starting Y tight end.
Round 5: Thomas Fidone, Nebraska (6-5, 243)
Fidone came in as a high-level recruit and battled through two ACL tears. He finally stayed healthy the last two seasons and flashed why he was so highly regarded. Hands catcher with excellent size, and a frame that can add more strength. He’s not a finished product but he tested well and has upside. Needs to improve functional strength and blocking technique. The medicals will push him down boards, but the ceiling makes him a worthwhile bet.
Round 6: Luke Lachey, Iowa (6-6, 251)
I like him more than most. He’s physical, strong hands, good football background (former DB, son of an NFL lineman). Injuries and a lackluster season are why he’ll be available late. Not an elite athlete but competitive and brings toughness to the position. He’ll need to improve as a route runner to win consistently against man coverage, but he can be a contributor in a balanced TE room.
Round 7: Robbie Ouzts, Alabama (6-3, 274)
Ouzts is likely a fullback at the next level, think H-back/ST core role to make a roster. Physical blocker who hits moving targets and plays with an edge. He’ll need to win over special teams’ coaches early. Not going to contribute as a receiving threat but brings the kind of grit and versatility the Patriots could be looking to develop on Day 3. Looks like Kenny Powers who could be a camp legend.
