New England Patriots: Man, Jonnu Smith is going to be something exciting
The New England Patriots needed a playmaking tight end and Bill Belichick not only went out and got one, but he also got two good tight ends in Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith.
Both will add elements of excitement to the offense, but Smith is the one who could be the biggest matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. With his size and speed, the new Patriots tight end adds an element to Josh McDaniels’ playbook that they haven’t had really since 2012.
Not only will Smith give the Patriots the kind of big-time playmaker they have been missing, but he is also the ultimate red zone target, scoring 11 touchdowns over the past two seasons with the Tennessee Titans. He is also just 25 years old and haven’t really reached his prime.
So, how exactly will he be utilized in 2021 on a team that is known for featuring tight ends in the offense?
Well, Jonnu Smith is certainly excited about what lays ahead of him and is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. He already sounds like a Belichick kind of player, right?
More from Chowder and Champions
- 3 Patriots on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster Spots
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
The New England Patriots have a big time target in Jonnu Smith
As far as how he will be used, Smith himself expects to be used in ways he has never been used before and that should add more fun and excitement to the Patriots offense whether the quarterback is Cam Newton or Mac Jones.
"“They’re going to use my ability, man, to help this team be in the best position possible,” Jones said following practice on Friday, via WEEI. “I consider myself a guy that can do a lot of things at the tight end position and you know, whatever it may take to help this team win, that’s what I’m going to do.”"
Along with Henry, 2020 third-round pick Devin Asiasi and veteran tight end Matt LaCosse, Smith gives the New England Patriots a pretty good group of tight ends. Henry will obviously be the Rob Gronkowski tight, short yardage, down the seam type pass-catching tight end.
The team hopes either Asiasi or LaCosse can be that third tight end who could create some mismatches for the defense.
In Smith, they have a good-sized tight end they could use like a big wide receiver, much like they did with Aaron Hernandez. Whether he lines up in the backfield or out wide, McDaniels and Belichick will find ways to utilize that size and athleticism in the open field.
In that respect, he may be their greatest weapon on offense. At least he will be by mid-season.
In fact, expect Jonnu Smith to have his best season stats wise. His previous career-high in receiving yards was 448 yards. He should eclipse that in 2021 on a Patriots team that will start out with a run heavy approach, but eventually the team will focus more on getting the ball in Smith’s hands, and that’s where the excitement will start.
Next. Hunter Henry primed for a career year in 2021. dark
That will make both Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry instant impact players in the New England Patriots offense. It will be great, because the team has been missing effective tight end production since the days of that guy named Gronk.