3 dynamic tight ends Patriots should target in 2023 NFL Draft

No.2 New England Patriots tight end target: Darnell Washington

One tight end possibly available projected by walterfootball.com as a second or third-round pick is Darnell Washington of Georgia. Want a big pile mover? Washington is it. He’s 6’7″ tall and 265 pounds.

Multi-faceted tight ends are scarce but one who can do one aspect of the position well is still of value. Washington may be well out of the Patriots range being projected higher than they may want to go.

Yet trades happen and the New England Patriots are no strangers to that strategy. This should be a draft of quality in the key positions they need to upgrade, not quantity.

10 rookies or so on the Patriots 2022 roster didn’t signal a youth infusion solely. Rather it was a harbinger of a mediocre season to come. Draft five or six who’ll step right in over almost a dozen who won’t.

Here’s part of the draftnetwork.com scouting report on Washington:

"Washington is one of the most physically imposing players in college football. He embodies the term “hop off the bus.” Washington’s most appealing skill set is his ability as a blocker. Whether drive blocking in the run game or chipping in pass protection, Washington’s presence is felt. He can drive defenders off the ball vertically and wash them down the line of scrimmage … As a receiver, Washington’s value will be up the seams vertically, quick curls/hooks, and in-breakers versus zone. As a result of his imposing frame, Washington is a hassle to bring down one on one in space. He can power through, stiff arm, and even leap over defenders. He is hard to contain on crossing patterns, either deep or shallow."

Consider him in the draft’s third or fourth round, or if necessary, package some of the anticipated 11 picks available and go up to get him.