Continuing our series on draft prospects, I’m using the same formula as I have over the last couple of years, separating the players into tiers.
Today’s focus will be on the tight end position. The Patriots need an infusion of talent, with Hunter Henry much closer to the end than the beginning. The veteran wore down as the season progressed, largely because he was asked to do too much as a blocker. The team added Julian Hill to be the ‘Y’ tight end and handle more of that load, but Hill doesn’t project as a big threat in the passing game. Enter a draft pick, from what is considered a loaded class (and yes, I’m assuming they take one this year, finally).
TIER ONE: Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon (6’3, 241 lbs)
After watching him rip through the combine like the norovirus through an elementary school (4.39 40, 43.5” vertical, 11’1” broad jump), I was convinced Sadiq wouldn't make it out of the top 10. A couple of front office folks gave me some pushback on that in the moment. I stood tall. Nothing has changed.
Even though Sadiq has a different body type than Colston Loveland, he’s capable of being that kind of impact player with the ball in his hands. Not only that, but he could be a heavy-volume target. Loveland went 10th. Sadiq fits in Washington (7th overall) and Kansas City (9th). Hell, you know how Cincinnati drafts. You think they wouldn’t be intrigued by him at 10? He’s a great athlete, smooth, and will turbocharge somebody’s offense. Just don’t ask him to continually block at the point of attack.
TIER TWO:
