New England Patriots: 6 July Thoughts

John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Rob Gronkowski, Scott Chandler and Michael Hoomanawanui lead the depth chart at tight end right now. But some interesting events have transpired among the remaining tight ends on the roster as of late.

Both Tim Wright and Fred Davis have been released, opening the door for a fourth tight end to make the roster. Two players will contend for that final spot: rookie A.J. Derby and former defenisve end Jake Bequette.

Derby has played only one formal year at tight end, and it was this past season at Arkansas. In addition to the raw talent he offers as a tight end, Derby also brings versatility to the Patriots, as he is experienced at quarterback as well as linebacker.

Bequette has been with the Patriots for a few years now, but he never really developed into the pass rusher opposite Chandler Jones that Patriots fans had been hoping for. So this offseason, Bequette switched the color of his practice jersey and joined the offense as a tight end convert.

It’s not guaranteed that the Patriots will take four tight ends, but if they do, it will likely be one of those two guys.

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