13 players Bill Belichick, New England Patriots need to make leaps in 2022
No.13: Is New England Patriots tight end Dalton Keene a draft bust or hidden gem?
Is 2020 third-round pick Dalton Keene a wasted draft pick or is he a hidden gem?
The New England Patriots hope to find out in 2022 as the third-year tight end has spent more time on injured reserve than he has on the field.
Along with fellow 2020 third-round pick and UCLA product Devin Asiasi, Keene will be battling for a spot behind Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith at the tight end position after spending his 2021 season on injured reserve due to a neck injury.
light. Related Story. Dalton Keene needs to become a factor
With just 3 receptions for 16 yards on 5 targets in the six games he played in 2020, Keene has yet to spark any excitement at the tight end position, which would seemingly make him a long-shot to make the roster in 2022. But the intriguing thing about Keene is his versatility and ability to lineup at the fullback position.
The Patriots did let Jakob Johnson, who was holding down the fullback position, walk away in free agency. So if Keene can show flash as a hybrid fullback/tight end, he could find himself on the roster as a fullback, third tight end option.
If Keene does come back completely healthy, it is that versatility and ability to adjust his skillset to the professional level that will earn him a spot on the team. Due to the struggles of Jonnu Smith, he will have a chance to utilize those skills. If he shows the “toughness” and “ability to make plays” that stood out to Bill Belichick when he drafted him, Dalton Keene can certainly be a hidden gem.
It will be a major boost to the offense if he is.