New England Patriots: 5 players with everything to prove Week 17

Do the New England Patriots have anything in Devin Asiasi?

Another position in need of an upgrade is the tight end position, where neither third-round picks Devin Asiasi or Dalton Keene have shown to be the answer.

But let’s focus on Asiasi who has been on the field the most and entered the league with more raw talent.

He hasn’t had much opportunity in the passing game, especially given the struggles of the entire offense, but the UCLA product has been a major disappointment in that he hasn’t established himself as a big target for Cam Newton, who has built much of his success getting the ball to the tight end and big targets like Kelvin Benjamin.

Is the fact Devin Asiasi hasn’t recorded a single reception this season more about the game plan or Asiasi’s lack of understanding the offense?

Signs are pointing towards the latter, but the No. 91 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft will continue to have an opportunity in 2021 because of where he was selected.  But, as Patriots fans have seen with higher draft picks like Cyrus Jones, Duke Dawson and Dominique Easley, Belichick doesn’t shy away from getting rid of a player who just doesn’t get it.

In other words, Devin Asiasi needs to show a little something in Week 17 to at least spark some excitement heading into the offseason.  He may not be the answer at tight end, but he can certainly be one of the answers given his size and talent.