New England Patriots: Top 5 pass catching tight ends of all time
Benjamin Watson (2004-09)
Drafted with the 32nd pick in the 2004 NFL draft, tight end Benjamin Watson entered the league as one of the most athletic players in that year’s draft class.
Not only did he score a 48 on his Wonderlic Test, he drew comparisons to another player on this list yet to be revealed. However, his upside and battle with health issues contributed to a disappointing tenure with the Patriots.
It was not all disappointing. Following an injury plagued rookie season and an average sophomore season, Watson broke out with 49 receptions for 643 yards in 2006.
As a member of the 2007 regular season undefeated team, he had 36 receptions for 389 yards and 6 touchdowns. Not as great numbers as his production in 2006, but one could argue that he was more effective on that historic 2007 offense.
Watson was one of many options Tom Brady had that year. With explosive weapons like Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth, the athletic tight end was not a top option. Later on in his career, Benjamin Watson did prove that he is an above average tight end.
Unfortunately, his most productive yards did not come as a member of the New England Patriots.
Overall in his career catching the ball from Tom Brady, he totaled 167 catches for 2,102 yards and 20 touchdowns.