3 New England Patriots who could be first-time Pro Bowlers in 2021
By Mike Luciano
No. 2: TE Jonnu Smith
While the Patriots signed two star tight ends, one of which was Los Angeles Chargers stud Hunter Henry, Smith might actually be the better long-term play. While his numbers in Tennessee look ordinary, he was often used as the third or fourth option in the passing game, while he’ll be featured heavily in New England.
Henry might be the more traditional tight end, but Smith is a top-tier athlete for the position, and the Patriots might be able to utilize his ability to run with the football, line up at wide receiver, and secure tough catches in the red zone to great effect.
Patriots: Jonnu Smith will have a big role on offense.
The Patriots’ scheme revolves around using the tight end frequently in the passing game, yet third-round picks Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene were invisible for large chunks of last season. Smith can help rectify that, as he will prove that he can be leaned on as a featured option in the passing game.
Despite the fact that the AFC is bursting at the seams with great tight ends, Smith was one of the better ones in the conference last year despite being No. 3 on the Titans, a run-first team, in targets. With Newton likely looking for him eight or nine times a game, Smith should have an easy time piling up numbers.