Patriots: 3 TEs New England can draft in 2021 First Round
By Jack Long
Ever since the departure of Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots have struggled to get any sort of production out of the TE position. Could this draft hold the answer?
The Patriots’ offense is in the need of a total revamping. New England absolutely has to focus on garnering offensive assets from this draft, and if they don’t focus on QB prospects or WR prospects, the TE position is one that has some future stars in the mix.
Devin Asiasi had a disastrous rookie season for the Patriots. After being seen as the future receiving TE for New England, Asiasi didn’t record a reception until the Pats’ last game of the season against the New York Jets — though he did make a nice, leaping touchdown grab. After suiting up for 11 games this year, Asiasi will certainly be looking to prove the doubters wrong at the beginning of next season.
Luckily, the 2021 NFL draft holds some great TE prospects, so it’s time to evaluate some playmakers the Patriots could take at their No. 15 slot.
Kyle Pitts – Florida
Truly, Kyle Pitts is the best TE prospect the NFL has seen in years.
Pitts is a mismatch problem for opposing defenses anywhere on the field. A guy who can line up in the trenches, in the slot, or out wide – man coverage doesn’t work on this cat.
Pitts is absolutely a receiver in a 6-6 frame. He has great speed for a guy his size and creates separation with whoever is chosen to cover him. Pitts has soft hands and can rise up to get any 50/50 ball thrown at him.
If there is one area Pitts can improve, it is probably in the blocking game, but that certainly won’t hold back any interested teams.
You can almost guarantee Pitts is on the Patriots’ draft board. These type of generational TE talents don’t come around every day, and for a team that puts so much emphasis on the position, this guy is a dream. To gain the full respect of Bill Belichick, Pitts will have to improve his blocking strength.