Three Tight End Prospects That The Patriots Could Draft.

With the signing if Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, surely the Patriots don't need another tight end. However, After drafting Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene, nobody would've thought that a year later the Patriots would sign two mega tight ends. The Patriots aren't going to have Smith and Henry forever. So taking a tight end from this draft class could not hurt if the timing is right.

There are three tight ends I liked from this draft. Two move tight ends and one more traditional tight end. All could have good careers in New England and give Asiasi and Keene a run for their spot on the roster.

Having move tight ends come in could also have them challenging the traditional receivers for their spots on the roster. As the NFL is moving towards replacing smaller slot receivers with U tight ends.

Kyle Pitts Florida 6'5" 245lbs

Nfl.com draft grade 7.19

I have seen Pitts compared to Jimmy Graham and Megatron. Quick with good footwork, his route running is good allowing him to get seperation and thus yards after the catch. Has a good vertical jump and a large wingspan making it hard for bubble ball throwers like Cam Newton to incomplete a pass. Has the ability to be a Redzone threat. Is a U tight end that can play anywhere on offense. Concerns that he runs a 4.46 forty but speed doesn't always show up on film. Appeared to clean up his drop problem in 2020. Is a below average blocker and needs to improve his blocking strength to be good as an inline blocker. Reportedly only an average 50-50 contested ball receiver. Has room for development.

In 24 games caught 100 receptions for 1492 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Hunter Long Boston College 6'5" 255lbs

Nfl.com draft score 6.17

 

A poor man's George Kittle. Long has a good vertical jump, which combined with his large wingspan, he uses to win contested catches. Redzone threat, uses his hands to get seperation. Good in open space. Runs a decent route tree and creates mismatches due to his size, which allows him to get yards after the catch. Can line up in any tight end role, U, F, or H. Runs a 4.63 forty. Average-below average blocking, better run blocker than pass blocker. Not athletic running a 7.41 three cone, not gonna kill anyone with cuts. Needs to improve versus press coverage. Still appears a little raw as a route runner and has room for improvement. Pro ready and should be an immediate number 2 tight end.

In 26 games, Long had 89 passes for 1297 yards and 9 touchdowns. 

Tre McKitty Georgia 6'4+" 250lbs

Nfl.com draft score 5.64

U tight end with running back mentality, played H-back, in-line, fullback, X receiver and halfback. Good pass catcher with decent athleticism. Large wingspan and catch radius and quick with good side to side speed. Solid route runner with ability to pick up yards after the catch. Statistics wont show itt but good redzone presence. Creates mismatches and wins contested catches. Reportedly has the speed and explosiveness but doesn't play with multiple gears. Didn't workout at proday, so cannot be confirmed. History of ankle and knee issues. Average blocker who needs strength training. Plays raw and inconsistent with room for development. This Trey Burton clone could find an early role on special teams as a tight end 3. 

24 games played. 56 catches for 628 yards and 3 touchdowns.