New England Patriots: 5 Positions Where an Upgrade is Still Needed
5. Tight End
The New England Patriots have the greatest tight end in the game in Rob Gronkowski. They’ve traded for Dwayne Allen to be his backup. Each though has a past riddled with injuries. Gronk will aim to play in every Patriots game this season, but that hasn’t gone well most of the time. The Patriots can land a solid tight end in either the second, third, or fourth round of the NFL Draft. Matt Lengel is the teams #3 TE, but the team should bring in some competition in hopes of developing a future star.
Free Agents
- None
There really are no solid tight ends left in free agency. New England’s best bet is to add a TE in the draft.
NFL Draft Targets
- Adam Shaheen, Ashland
- Gerald Everett, South Alabama
- Jake Butt, Michigan
- Jordan Leggett, Clemson
Adam Shaheen has been on my short list of tight ends for quite some time now. He’ll likely go in the second round, though, so if the Patriots want him they’ll need to move up. Jake Butt or Jordan Leggett will be available later on, and each has potential to break out with the proper coaching.
Expect a pick to be used on a tight end this April, and for that player to make the roster as the team’s depth insurance. Any of the tight ends listed above should be welcomed with open arms to New England, but I’m partial to Shaheen or Everett. The small school tight ends have the greatest potential of all.