Predicting New England Patriots depth chart: Pre-minicamp edition
TIGHT ENDS (3)
Rob Gronkowski
Martellus Bennett
Michael Williams
Practice squad: A.J. Derby
Cut: Clay Harbor, Bryce Williams, Steven Scheu
Of course, Gronk and Bennett are going to be fixtures in the passing game all season. The intrigue of this depth chart, however, revolves around who is going to follow Gronk and Bennett as the No. 3 tight end.
Essentially, it is a five-man tryout for one spot. It’s hard to see the Patriots taking more than three tight ends, so it comes down to returning Patriots Williams and Derby, undrafted rookies Williams and Scheu and veteran signing Harbor.
With Gronk and Bennett, the pass catching skill set of the tight end position is covered. The Patriots don’t really need a weapon at the No. 3 tight end spot. They would benefit more from a blocking specialist, which is why you see former offensive lineman Williams making the Patriots depth chart over the other four guys.
Best value players on Patriots’ roster
Derby ends up on the practice squad because he is still a developmental prospect, but both of the undrafted rookies are let go and Harbor also finds himself without employment by the end of training camp.
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