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New England Patriots 4 Downs: Pre-draft/free agency needs

By Michael Perry

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 24: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots talks with Tom Brady #12 before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Gillette Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 24: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots talks with Tom Brady #12 before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Gillette Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 23: Cole Kmet #84 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after an 11-yard touchdown reception against the Boston College Eagles in the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 40-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 23: Cole Kmet #84 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after an 11-yard touchdown reception against the Boston College Eagles in the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 40-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

3rd Down – Find a decent tight end

Replacing Rob Gronkowski was certainly a tough task — and it didn’t work at all. Ben Watson flashed some brilliance this season but was overall a shell of his former self. Ryan Izzo battled concussions all season, while Matt LaCosse was the only productive one out of the group — and even then it was streaky at best.

There are a handful of free agents that could fill the need of a run-blocking tight end as well as being a threat on the receiving end. Tyler Eifert, if healthy, can be a low-cost addition due to his injury past. Eric Ebron, Luke Wilson, and Austin Hooper would all fit in the New England Patriots’ offense as well.

If Belichick and Josh McDaniels decide to go through the draft, Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet has the size of Gronkowski and can also block and catch. He would be a good young addition to the roster.

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