New England Patriots: 5 veterans on the early 55-man roster bubble

CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 15: Rex Burkhead #34 of the New England Patriots runs on his way to scoring a 33-yard rushing touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals in the game at Paul Brown Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 15: Rex Burkhead #34 of the New England Patriots runs on his way to scoring a 33-yard rushing touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals in the game at Paul Brown Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots Matt LaCosse (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
New England Patriots Matt LaCosse (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

New England Patriots tight end Matt LaCosse has major competition.

If veteran tight end Matt LaCosse had any kind of season in 2019, he may be a lock to make the roster in 2020.

But, due to both injury and ineffectiveness in his first season with the New England Patriots, LaCosse is certainly not a lock given the team drafted a pair of talented tight end in the 2020 NFL Draft.

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Both Dalton Keene and UCLA product Devin Asiasi will be the tight ends everyone will be looking at in training camp, but LaCosse and third-year tight end Ryan Izzo are the tight ends with the experience in the system, which will give them the upper hand to start.

With just 13 receptions for 131 yards, Matt LaCosse will have to show a lot as a pass catching tight end if either Keene or Asiasi show flashes prior to the season.

The Patriots would likely keep a veteran around.  Unless they sign another tight end or trade for one, Matt LaCosse could be kept around another season, but that is not a guarantee given his injury issues in 2019 and his inability to break through as a pass-catching option when Tom Brady was under center.

In all, it would be a huge surprise if LaCosse was on the New England Patriots 2020 NFL roster.