Patriots late-round 2021 NFL mock draft 1.0: Ohio St LB highlights Day 3

Round 6 193:  Nick Eubanks, tight end, University of Michigan

There is no way the New England Patriots don’t at least attempt to solve their tight end void through free agency or by selecting a talent higher in the draft, but that doesn’t mean they won’t take a flier on yet another Michigan player.

With the success the team has had picking players out of Michigan, including Chase Winovich, Josh Uche and Michael Onwenu in the past two drafts, a player like Nick Eubanks could help add some nice depth at the tight end position.

While one would expect players like Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene to get more opportunity in 2021, Eubanks presents classic size at the tight end position.  At 6-foot-5, 256 pounds, he is a “H” type tight end who is more of a run blocker who can leak out for a catch or two.

The Patriots kind of already has that with Ryan Izzo, but Eubanks is a more athletic and physical tight end who whether he is selected late in the draft or even goes undrafted would be an upgrade over Izzo.

Due to a underperforming senior year due to injury, Eubanks will slip but like Onwenu could be a diamond in the rough as a primarily blocking tight end who can surprise opposing defenses with pass-catching ability.