New England Patriots: 3 biggest issues to address post-minicamp

No. 2: New England Patriots should go get another solid tight end

This may seem an odd suggestion in light of two factors.

First, the New Engalnd Patriots invested two third-round picks in 2020 on tight ends. Sorry, they flopped miserably there. They didn’t add a thing last year.

Second, they invested big bucks on two tight ends in free agency in acknowledgment of the failure of those draft picks. Those moves had sold support on these pages. The probability, however, is that should one of those two good tight ends get injured their offense will be severely hindered.

We have already seen Jonnu Smith leave mini-camp with a muscle injury. After Hunter Henry in a situation like that in-season, there’s nothing there.

So while it seems counterintuitive, it makes perfect sense. An injury at that position will demolish the offense and that can’t be allowed to happen. Trade, release, do whatever you have to with the other remaining tight ends, but go get a third who can actually play. Maybe it’s a blocking specialist who catches a bit. Or conversely, maybe it can be more of an H-back pass-catcher.

If they can’t get an all-around guy, go with one who specializes in one major aspect or the other. At least he’ll provide cover for when, not if, one of the top two guys is hurt.

Both of the Patriots new very good tight ends have had injury histories. Smith has missed a game here and there over his career. Henry missed the entire 2018 season with an injury.

It’s prudent to be certain that their preferred two tight-end formations are not demolished if one of either Smith or Henry goes out for any significant time at all. They need that third solid if not spectacular guy.