The New England Patriots have lots of needs as the 2023 NFL Draft approaches. First and foremost is the offensive tackle position which needs major upgrades. One or two should be added in the draft and another top starter in free agency. Next up should be defensive tackle.
Wide receiver and cornerback also need reinforcement but not in the top two picks. One position of need that needs a major upgrade but isn’t spoken of very much is the tight-end position.
The New England Patriots recent efforts to fill the Rob Gronkowski-sized hole in the offense have failed. Two third-round draft picks were squandered on Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene in the 2020 draft.
Additionally, huge cash outlays were spent on two tight ends who have failed to meet expectations, Jonnu Smith and to a lesser degree Hunter Henry.
A new tight end or two who can actually contribute more than the current complement is necessary. The position needs a makeover. Signing a free agent makes perfect sense to begin the process.
No.1 New England Patriots tight end target: Luke Musgrave
The Patriots dream pick should he fall to the draft’s third or fourth rounds, or should they trade up after taking two tackles with their first two picks may be Luke Musgrave from Oregon State. He’s 6’6″ tall and weighs 250 pounds. He’s also a pass catcher.
nfl.com notes:
"Between the abbreviated 2020 season and an injury-shortened 2022 campaign, Musgrave’s snaps have been somewhat limited, but it’s easy to like what he’s put on tape. His route running harkens back to his slalom days with nimble feet and smooth hips helping to generate rhythm and separation in and out of breaks. He needs a little more bulk for combat in the trenches, but he offers what evaluators are looking for in technique, strain and demeanor. Musgrave has starter potential and should gain a coveted slot on draft boards from teams looking to add versatility to their 12 personnel (two tight ends) packages."
Musgrave can get separation. That’s nice to hear. He’s a pass-catcher at the position which would be a nice addition. While injury curtailed his 2022 season, if he falls to the Patriots in the third round or so, he might be a steal. Take the chance and draft him.
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.
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.
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?