Last season, if there was one sure thing on just about anyone’s draft board, it was that the Patriots would select a tight end. A year and a first-round exit later, nothing has changed. With the Patriots deciding to go with Matt LaCosse and what was left of Ben Watson, the 2020 draft may be even more obvious than the previous year to take a tight end. Here are some prospects the Patriots could possibly go after.
Thaddeus Moss (LSU)
Sure, a lot of this is because of the insane hype Moss has gotten through the media thanks to his tremendous performance in the National Championship in which he scored twice against a tough Clemson defense. Also, his dad is Randy Moss. However, the younger Moss may be exactly what the Patriots need at the tight end spot. He is fast with great hands and has the ability to make big plays.
The downside of Moss is his size as he is only 6-foot-3, which is considered short for a tight end. Frankly, he is more of a big receiver than a small tight end. He is not exceptional in the run block, but he does have a good motor. The negatives on Moss may actually be positives for New England. They won’t spend a first-round pick on a tight end unless they absolutely love the player, and with Moss projected as a Day 3 draft pick, the Patriots could scoop him up in the late rounds.
He wouldn’t be an every-down player in New England. However, if the Patriots sign somewhat of a competent tight end, Moss could fill a similar role to that of former Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez. He would be the offensive weapon in the passing situations as a No. 2 tight end.
Brady to Moss may return in 2020.
Cole Kmet (Notre Dame)
If the Patriots do draft a tight end early, this will be their guy. Kmet has emerged as the consensus No. 1 tight end prospect to this point. The position certainly isn’t as strong or as top-heavy as it was last year, but Kmet still projects as a first- or second-round pick. Grabbing him at No. 23 may be a bit early, but if the Patriots trade up in the second, that may be a good spot for the former member of the Fighting Irish.
Kmet surprised many when he decided to enter the 2020 draft as it was believed he would return for his senior season. Like many previous Patriots, Kmet was also a two-sport athlete holding a 2.89 ERA for the Fighting Irish in the 2019 baseball season. Based on that alone, Patriots fans will most likely love Kmet.
It seems every year in the draft, a new tight end gets labeled as a “mini Gronk.” To be Rob Gronkowski is a hard ask for anyone, but Kmet may have a better chance than anyone to replicate his production.
Colby Parkinson (Stanford)
While Kmet has the talent to replicate Gronk, Parkinson has the size. The 6-foot-7 tight end out of Stanford has been dominant as both a pass-catcher and run-blocker, something that Belichick has taken notice of. The other Patriot-like ability? Parkinson is a great route-runner, something that is instilled in members of the team.
Parkinson may not be the fanciest or highest-profile name in this draft, but he may be the best fit for the team. He has the chance to be a dominant player due to his size and physicality and has shown to understand the game fluently.
Moss may be the biggest fan-draw, Kmet the most talented, but Parkinson is the best fit for the New England Patriots.
