NFL Execs Think Patriots Drafting TE Devin Asiasi Was 'a Grand Slam'

The Patriots went after team needs in the 2020 NFL Draft, taking two tight ends in round three. Though People thought there were better tight ends on the board and criticized the Patriots for their selections 

However, Devon Clements of SI pointed out, not all were in favor of some of those 'better players'. "However, there were at least a couple NFL executives that believed New England hit "a grand slam" by selecting Asiasi."

Mike Sando of the Athletic spoke to two NFL executives and quoted them.

Oh, I love him,” an exec said. “I think they hit a grand slam, but he fell to them for a reason. He was suspended. The character is concerning. (Editor’s note: Asiasi was suspended for three games to start the 2018 season for a violation of team rules.) But he is better in and out of his breaks than (Cole) Kmet and a better blocker right now. He is a more vertical, wider-angle cut receiver.”

Another exec used the “G” word when describing Asiasi.

“No one is Gronk,” this exec said, “but if you are going to find a replacement for him, you are going to get a guy who weighs 270 pounds, who can block, who can high-point the ball. He is a good player, a really good player.”

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote that "Keene is a versatile player from his tight end position, and can play a little fullback and H-back. It’s easier to do that when you can test as well as Keene did."

Looking at many reports, there were common thought processes on both Asiasi and Keene.

Asiasi has alignment flexibility lining up inline, slot, wide and in the backfield. He can be used within the whole route tree on all three levels. He showed production in the middle of the field and can make catches in traffic. Has good agility when running his routes. Has good hand usage and ability to adjust around his frame. Asiasi improved as a run blocker.

Keene has good hands and is comfortable catching the ball away from his body. Very effective as a block and release receiver on short area routes. Solid after the catch with agility to make one miss. An aggressive blocker and plays from whistle to whistle. Good mental processing. Picks up free rushers and works through traffic. Good technique, leverage and hands to sustain blocks in run and pass game whether he's coming off the line, out of the backfield or from the slot position.

The Patriots have spent years trying to find a tight end who could reform the dynamic duo with Gronk. When Gronk retired in 2019, they struggled to replace him. Watson was a washed up shell of himself. Lacosse showed why he has been a career backup, and Izzo started to develop before a concussion gave him a setback in development.

Devon Clements stated "But with Asiasi and Dalton Keene being drafted this year, they are likely 1A and 1B on the depth chart now." That's kinda sad for Izzo but this is about business and sometimes good players get cut too early.

People are underwriting the skills of the new tight ends. Asiasi can block and Keene can catch but there are those who believe and have said that  Asiasi will strictly be a pass catcher, while Keene will only be involved in blocking. 

Those who under estimate the Patriots new tight ends are going to allow for mismatches early on.

Jakobi Meyers was Stidham's security blanket during the 2019 preseason. The Patriots are hoping the Asiasi, Keene, and Hastings will quickly become go to options as well. Thus taking pressure off number one pass catcher Julian Edelman and allowing Stidham's development to be that much smoother.