Patriots Post-Combine 7-Round Mock Draft: Shocker at QB Leads the Way

4. (104th overall): Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State

Historically speaking, the tight-end position has been a staple for this Patriots organization. As of the 2024 offseason, the Patriots will be in the market for some new tight ends.

All of the following players are set to hit NFL Free Agency next week:

• Hunter Henry
• Mike Gesicki
• Pharaoh Brown

So, to sum up, the entire tight end group in New England. This Patriots roster is going to be getting reshaped in a variety of different ways, but obviously, they are going to need to add to the tight end position. Here's what NFL.com's Lance Zierlein has to say about Ohio State's Cade Stover, one of the more balanced players at his position, in a relatively weak overall class:

"He starred as a high school hooper and that same athleticism can be found in his route running, high-point timing and run after catch. Stover possesses the tools to move in a positive direction as a run blocker but needs to upgrade his grit at the point of attack and effort as a move blocker. He’s an upside prospect with the potential to play in-line or flexed out and should become a productive starter within a couple of years."

- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Even though this isn't a great tight end class in the NFL Draft, the Patriots could obviously double up by looking to a short-term deal or two in free agency and an upside play like this in the Draft.