New England Patriots 2020 NFL Draft: 7-round mock draft wish list

Third round pick, No. 87: Harrison Bryant, tight end, Florida Atlantic

OK, so after reaching for the first-round pick, in the third round, I go with a slight need. Well, a bit more than a slight need. On the second New England Patriots pick, No. 87 late in the third round, I’ll go with tight end Harrison Bryant. I have explored this player previously.

Bryant is part one of a dual strategy to try to replace some aspects of what the greatest tight end in NFL history, Rob Gronkowski brought to the table. Gronk was the complete package, uncoverable in the passing game and a devastating blocker in the running game.

In a word, Gronk was unique and frankly irreplaceable. The New England Patriots eschewed the idea of drafting any tight ends last season (how boneheaded was that?) and paid the price. No production at tight end. At least not nearly enough.

Bryant helps fill in the pass-catching aspect of what Gronk brought to the table. Bryant’s measurables are good. NFL.com has him at 6’5″ and 243 pounds. Adequate size for a pass catching tight end.

NFL.com highlights his 2019 season:

"Bryant not only repeated his first-team all-conference selection in 2019, he earned first-team Associated Press All-American honors and won the John Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end. He led all tight ends nationally with 65 receptions for 1,004 yards (15.4 per) while scoring seven times in 12 starts."

Bryant checks all the boxes for the pass-catching tight end that New England needs. If he’s available here, take him.