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3 dynamic tight ends Patriots should target in 2023 NFL Draft

By Michael DeVito

BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 6: Tight end Luke Musgrave #88 of the Oregon State Beavers makes a catch against the Colorado Buffaloes during a game at Folsom Field on November 6, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 6: Tight end Luke Musgrave #88 of the Oregon State Beavers makes a catch against the Colorado Buffaloes during a game at Folsom Field on November 6, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots
SDSU tight end Tucker Kraft /

No.3 New England Patriots tight end target: Tucker Kraft

A third tight end draft possibility for the New England Patriots is Pro Football Focus’ sixth-ranked tight end, Tucker Kraft. One thing for certain, Kraft has the right name to be a Patriot.

si.com has this to say in their scouting report on Kraft:

"Kraft has experience lining up in-line, the slot, and out wide. The South Dakota native carries his weight with ease and possesses excellent size and density. Kraft still has room to add mass to his lower body, but he’s already strong enough to break arm tackles and shrug off shoulder tackles … He’s quick off the line and threatens the seam vertically. Kraft displays a strong clamp as a blocker. He usually correctly identifies potential threats and understands his blocking assignments. Kraft is an aggressive and willing blocker who plays angles well."

If Kraft falls into the third round as they suggest, he may be a nice get for the New England Patriots after their first two picks. Kraft is 6’5″ tall and weighs-in at 253 pounds.

Kraft had only a paltry 27 catches for 348 yards and three touchdowns in 2022, and may not seem like a player who can remedy the Patriots issues at the position. Yet, his 65 catches in 2021 were a much more respectable and encouraging showing.

The New England Patriots need help at tight end. Whether or not they trade or release Hunter Henry to save $10M on the salary cap, it behooves them to either spend in free agency or draft or both to augment this weak position.

Next. New England Patriots: 3 game breakers to target in 2023 NFL Draft. dark

As noted, the draft is a total crap shoot. High picks and lower ones fail or succeed. It’s all in the talent and make-up of the player, and his innate ability to overcome odds that usually determines who makes the grade.

None of these tight-end candidates is a sure thing. Who is? But, the fact remains that the New England Patriots need to improve at tight end and one of three noted just may be better than what they currently have. Just go for it. Not much to lose, is there?

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