New England Patriots: Jonnu Smith ready to victimize defenders in 2022

If the New England Patriots get the Jonnu Smith they paid big free agent money for in 2021, the offense is going to be special.

Still considered one of the best tight end duos in the NFL, the combination of Smith and Hunter Henry gives Mac Jones some big targets in the middle of the field and in the red zone.  The emphasis is really on Smith who has the size and athleticism to do many special things on the field, special things he did not do in his first season with the Patriots.

With just 28 receptions for 294 yards and a touchdown, Jonnu Smith’s performance in 2021 was more recognized for the plays he did not make.

As the highlights were few and far between, that big money Bill Belichick shelled out for the talented tight end seemed more like wasteful money.  That can all change in 2022.

New England Patriots tight end Jonnu Smith is on a mission

Entering 2022 training camp with a more focused mindset, Smith is out to prove his is very much worth the $14 million he is set to make this season.  The only way the Patriots tight end can do that is by being more productive on the field.  According to Smith, he has to love football first in order for that to happen.

"“I love football,” Smith said Friday, as transcribed by NBC Sports Boston.  “I got here by just loving football – loving my teammates, loving the guys around me.  All that stuff comes with it.  We didn’t grow up playing in our backyard thinking about contracts.  We played because we love the game.“I think the reason why so many of us in this game have had success is because we just worry about playing the game and playing with love.  Everything else will take care of itself.  That’s me personally.  You can’t worry about anything else.  You just do what you do.”"

There’s a lot Jonnu Smith can do on the field and the New England Patriots are out to utilize that in 2022.  Obviously, it starts in training camp where Smith did shine on Day 3.

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Showcasing his physical, athletic presence, Smith frustrated safety Kyle Dugger with some impressive catches in the end zone.  If he can find a way to victimize opposing defenders like he did Dugger on Friday, it will be a very big comeback season for Smith, who is also working on and focused on consistency.

"“It’s all about going out there and executing consistently every day,” Smith said via Patriots.com.  “It’s not just about me.  It’s about all 11 of us executing consistently.”"

Again, there is a lot of talent there with Smith, which could lead to many different things the New England Patriots could do with him.  Line him up in the backfield, on the outside, wherever, if Smith shows that dynamic ability on the field, Mac Jones is going to have himself one heck of a weapon, which should be fun to watch.

Yes, money talks, but on the football field, production is the best form of communication and success.  Jonnu Smith is ready to bring it in 2022.