3 Patriots Draft Picks Who May Not Make the 53-Man Roster
2. Jaheim Bell, TE (Round 7, Pick 231)
The Patriots used their eighth (and final) pick of the 2024 draft to select tight end Jaheim Bell. After three decent years at South Carolina, the pass-catching prospect set career highs in receptions (39) and receiving yards (503) while scoring two touchdowns for Florida State in his final collegiate campaign.
Here are the two things that stand out from Jaheim Bell on tape. Seam runs and YAC on passes in the flats. Great play speed for the new #Patriots tight end. Jonnu-lite isn't a bad comp. pic.twitter.com/Jn6hqS4FjW
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) April 27, 2024
The TE room was one of the Patriots' weaker areas last year, but that doesn't mean Bell is a roster lock. For starters, Hunter Henry is returning as the TE1 after inking a three-year, $30 million contract extension in March. The No. 2 role will likely go to Austin Hooper, who joined the Pats via free agency after racking up over 3,700 yards and 25 TDs through his first eight seasons.
That's without mentioning how Bell must also compete with the returning Mitchell Wilcox, as well as undrafted free agent signee Jacob Warren, who projects as a strong blocking presence.
As solid as Bell looked in college, history has proven that seventh-round picks face an uphill battle to crack the roster. He has a lot of competition ahead of him, leaving time to tell if he can separate himself from the pack with a strong offseason showing.