Ryan Izzo taking on new responsibilities this season.

Patriots former 2018 seventh round pick has found himself the veteran on the Patriots tight end squad. With so many young and new players, Izzo has been moved into a mentorship role.

Izzo was asked about his new responsibilities on the team. He responded, "I think I'm trying to be a little more vocal. We've got a lot of young guys in the room who haven't been through fall camp, haven't been through this process So, for me it's just doing whatever I can to help them out."

Providence Journal's Mark Daniels said Izzo has shown he has ability be a blocking tight end in the NFL. He also mentioned how in six games in 2019, Izzo put up some decent stats before getting sidelined due to his concussion.

Izzo reportedly spent the off season working out with Stidham and then Stidham and Hoyer to improve, especially after the Patriots drafted two early mid round tight ends. The 6'5" 255 pound redzone and seam route threat needs to improve this offseason.

When asked about his competition, Izzo didn't say much. "They're hard-working guys with their heads on straight. I'm excited to get to work with them for the rest of fall camp and continue to get to know them."

Izzo's blocking slipped with the entire offense last season and his development was hindered by the lack of production by veterans Ben Watson and Matt Lacosse, along with getting thrusted into the main tight end role weeks five six. Still Izzo put up the best stats in his limited play. 

It took Brady five games to really want to work with Izzo, that's one part about Izzo's production people leave out. Izzo was targeted 9 times catching 6 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown. Mostly coming weeks 5 and 6.

Before Izzo got concussed and then had side effects have him red shirted, he was on pace for 18 receptions for 342 yards and 3 touchdowns. As Brady would've gotten to trust him more, those numbers would've improved.

Myself and Ray Rauth of DPN Sports Talk disagree about how good Izzo is. I stand firmly that with a full year of development and play time, Izzo could be a med tier tight end before his rookie contract is up and the Patriots could run the Magic 3 tight end set as Asiasi has the capability of playing on the outside.