New England Patriots: Eric Saubert brings natural athleticism to TE battle
Newly acquired New England Patriots tight end Eric Saubert joins the positional battle this preseason with natural athleticism.
The New England Patriots made a minor move Monday that may pay big dividends.
As first reported by ESPN, the defending Super Bowl champions have acquired tight end Eric Saubert from the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick.
Due to the Falcons depth at the tight end position, it is likely the 6-foot-5, 253-pound Saubert would’ve been cut following the preseason. That does not mean that he doesn’t come with potential the Patriots are hoping to tap into.
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Drafted in the fifth-round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Eric Saubert was coming off a final season out of the University of Drake where he caught 56 passes for 776 yards and 10 touchdowns, so he has pass-catching ability despite that production not translating on the field during his two seasons with Atlanta.
Still, his pure athleticism had Falcons coach Dan Quinn excited about his potential going into the 2018 NFL season.
"“We’re like man, you know your stuff,” Quinn said a year ago. “Let your natural athleticism jump out. He’s really kind of turning into the kind of pass-catching tight end that I’d hope we see. I’m anxious for him to get a chance to (show) that.”"
While Saubert didn’t exactly put up the type of number Quinn was hoping for, catching just five passes for 48 yards in 16 games played, he does sound like a player who can flourish if in the right situation.
In Atlanta, he played behind Pro Bowl tight end Austin Hooper along with the other offensive playmakers Matt Ryan had to throw to. With the Patriots, at least during the preseason, he will have an opportunity to compete for a position and playing time.
In a group that consists of veterans Ben Watson, Matt LaCosse, Lance Kendricks along with young tight ends Stephen Anderson and Ryan Izzo, Eric Saubert has the athleticism and versatility to leap out if he catches on and puts in the work needed to fit into the Patriots system.
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An added plus is that he can also play special teams. We all know how important that is to Bill Belichick. While this could be a move that pans out to nothing, would it really surprise anyone if the New England Patriots find a diamond in the rough off the roster of the team they rallied back to win from a 28-3 deficit in Super Bowl LI?