New England Patriots 2018: A look at rookie tight end Ryan Izzo

The New England Patriots will have an interesting battle at the tight end position in training camp. One player vying for a roster spot is rookie Ryan Izzo.

With the Rob Gronkowski drama at an ultimate high, the New England Patriots were expected to draft a tight end in the early rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft. Instead, they waited to the seventh round to select Ryan Izzo out of Florida State.

Part of the reason the team did not select a tight end until the end of the draft was due to Gronkowski’s commitment to the 2018 season prior to the draft. Another reason is the team already had tight ends Dwayne Allen and Jacob Hollister returning and also have signed veteran tight end Troy Niklas to the mix.

None of those players, however, are a lock to make the roster, which gives the rookie as good a chance as any to make a claim for one of the spots behind Gronkowski.

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In looking at Izzo’s strengths coming out of college, you can see why the Patriots drafted him.

Described as a player with good size at the position, Izzo is a capable in-line blocker who is capable of running routes. He is also tough once he has the ball in his hands and is tough to bring down. His lack of speed is a weakness, but his high motor and determination are both attributes that fuels players who strive in New England.

Former Florida State tight ends coach Tim Brewster certainly believes Ryan Izzo is in the best place and best system to ultimately make an impact in the NFL.

"“I believe Ryan will thrive as part of that organization,” Brewster told Patriots.com. “I know Bill [Belichick] very well and the New England Patriots exemplify to me the most professional organization in sports today. When you go there you’re part of something special and Ryan Izzo will fit right into that.”"

Thoughts on Izzo

At 6-foot-5, 256 pounds, Ryan Izzo has the size to be effective in the New England Patriots offensive scheme. While he didn’t make an impact as a receiver at Florida State, his blocking ability will keep him in the NFL for a long time.

With 54 receptions for 761 yards and six touchdowns, Izzo does have the sneaky ability to catch a few balls. If he makes the team, his production in the passing game could be somewhere between what Jake Ballard did while he was in New England and Dwayne Allen’s production last season.

That is not saying a lot, but if he is the third tight end on the team and can earn a role in short yardage and/or goal line situations, the team will have a find in the seventh round. Izzo certainly knows his blocking ability and versatility is what got him drafted by the Patriots.

"“I think it was huge,” Izzo said during his introductory conference call back in April. “I think the tape was out there. These past two years of me blocking my tail off and really putting my heart out there and my love for the game. Just my unselfishness to block the great backs and do anything for the team to win.”"

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It may be tough depending on how Troy Niklas, Jacob Hollister, Allen, Will Tye and undrafted rookie free agent Shane Wimann perform, but on heart alone Ryan Izzo is a player worth watching once New England Patriots training camp begins in late July.

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