The Future of the TE Position in New England

[RedOctober3829]

With Gronkowski on the fence each of the last 2 offseasons, how much of a priority is it to you to address the long-term future of the position? This draft seems like a logical time to do so as there are 2 elite TEs available in Iowa's TJ Hockenson and Noah Fant. Hockenson looks like the most comparable to Gronkowski that has come into the league since Gronk himself. He can block really well and also is a force in the passing game. Noah Fant is 6'5" 241 lbs. and ran a 4.5 40 at the combine this weekend. Both have the ability to follow in fellow Hawkeye George Kittle's footsteps to be the next great TE's in this league.

 

[tims4wins]

Timely Curran article

https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/how-much-help-hell-get-will-factor-rob-gronkowskis-decision-return-patriots-2019

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

Recent drafts have seen a bunch of deals where one team pays a 3rd rounder to move up 5-10 spots in the 20s. Especially given the number of picks we have in this draft, including three 3rds, I'd probably pay that to secure one of them (more likely Fant than Hockenson). OAK at 24 looks like a good trade partner. Unfortunately, however, both BAL at 22 and HOU at 23 look like teams that could use a dynamic TE.

 

[Ale Xander]

If I'm trading up I'd rather go after Metcalf or Devin White. I'm not keen on trading a 3rd to move to get Fant. A 5th or 6th to move up 3 spots, to get ahead of GB, sure.

It all depends on cost and who else is dropping and who you think you can get later.

 

[kenneycb]

Recent drafts have seen a bunch of deals where one team pays a 3rd rounder to move up 5-10 spots in the 20s. Especially given the number of picks we have in this draft, including three 3rds, I'd probably pay that to secure one of them (more likely Fant than Hockenson). OAK at 24 looks like a good trade partner. Unfortunately, however, both BAL at 22 and HOU at 23 look like teams that could use a dynamic TE.

BAL traded up to draft Hayden Hurst last year and also took Mark Andrews in the 3rd round in same draft, so I imagine they're set unless they really hate both of them so soon.

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

BAL traded up to draft Hayden Hurst last year and also took Mark Andrews in the 3rd round in same draft, so I imagine they're set unless they really hate both of them so soon.

Ahh, good catch. I forgot about Hurst. No way do they go TE in the first round two years in a row.

 

[Super Nomario]

From what I understand Hockenson and Fant are such terrific prospects and great fits that they'd be worth dealing a third to move up a handful of spots. I don't think we should lock into the idea that we need to replace Gronk, however. Gronk is Gronk and there will never be another one. The Patriots have built effective offenses with many different styles, and this might be an opportunity to build around a different paradigm instead of just trying to do things the same way. I could see them double-dipping at WR early and saving TE for round three or later.