New England Patriots: Ranking team’s tight ends post-Gronk

The New England Patriots have a tight end problem, but with a mix of veterans and undrafted talent may end up with a solid group at the position.

Following the retirement of Rob Gronkowski, the New England Patriots find themselves with uncertain answers at the tight end position for the first time since 2010.

With a ton of draft picks entering the 2019 NFL Draft, it was certain Bill Belichick would use one of his high-round selections on a Gronkowski replacement, but the defending Super Bowl champions didn’t select a single tight end.

Instead, they went with a big wide receiver in N’Keal Harry and used a third-round selection on running back Damian Harris.  What that indicates is the team will look to replace Gronkowski’s production by utilizing other positions.

Mainly, the team will turn to a power running game where the tight ends will primarily be used as blockers who occasionally go out for passes.  Kind of how Rob Gronkowski was utilized towards the end of the regular season and throughout the playoffs.

Still, there is hope someone emerges as another target in the passing game for Tom Brady.  Here is how the current group of tight ends rank following the NFL Draft and OTAs.