Kyles: Top 5 Tight Ends Patriots Could Target in NFL Draft

The Patriots have struggled to find consistency at tight end since before Rob Gronkowski decided to hang up his cleats (the first time).

They seemed to be ushering in a new era with the signings of Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, both of whom took up massive chunks of New England’s cap. But the tight ends’ production didn’t match their salaries, as Smith couldn’t stay on the field due to receiving limitations, Henry’s performance fluctuated due to injuries, and both players suffered from an implosive coaching situation in 2022.

Smith served admirably, but he was given a fresh start in a trade to Atlanta. Henry could be part of the team’s future plans after being held back last season, but his contract expires at the end of the season. Mike Gesicki signals an interesting scheme shift, but he’s also a free agent in 2024.

The team would be wise to invest (relatively) early draft capital in a succession plan at tight end who could provide future direction and flexibility. Here are some consensus top picks at the position, their profiles, and how they might fit in New England’s system.

MICHAEL MAYER, NOTRE DAME (JUNIOR)

Height: 6’4.5″   Weight: 249 lbs

Scouting Reports

+ Understands how to beat coverage and plays to his massive catch radius

+ Traits and demeanor to become a formidable blocker

–  Not an explosive athlete

– Struggles to sustain blocks

Patriots perspective: Mayer is still a work in progress as a blocker, but he might be better than any other tight end on New England’s roster. His receiving upside is similar to that of prime Henry, who wins with physicality and deception at the top of routes. Mayer’s alignment versatility is more similar to Gesicki, but he’s a tougher tackle than both of New England’s projected starters. With Gesicki expected to be more of a big receiver and no foreseeable plan at tight end beyond this season, Mayer could be a reliable backup/chess piece as a rookie before taking the reins in 2024.

 

DARNELL WASHINGTON, GEORGIA (JUNIOR)

Height: 6’7″   Weight: 264 lbs 

Scouting Reports

+ Big bully on the field as both a blocker and receiver

+ Size and ball skills led to flashes of dominance as a possession receiver

– Stiff athlete who won’t create much separation

– Can struggle to win leverage as a blocker

Patriots perspective: Washington’s rare combination of height and weight, combined with a bully’s mentality, make him one of the best blockers at any position in this draft. He would take a Patriots rushing attack that was already one of the league’s best to another level, capable of moving linemen on gap runs, sealing edges as a puller, or sending second-level defenders to the turf in space. Washington also showed sneaky receiving upside at Georgia. He won’t win many footraces or lose defenders with silky routes, but his catch radius and soft hands turn 50-50 balls into 70-30’s. Washington could immediately slide in as the team’s starting in-line tight end in base personnel groupings while the team fleshes out his potential as a receiver.

 

DALTON KINCAID, UTAH (SENIOR)

Height: 6’4″   Weight: 246 lbs 

Scouting Reports

+ Outstanding ball skills, body control, and downfield receiving ability

+ Versatility to threaten each level of the defense from any alignment

– Started playing football in 2017

– Lacks ideal size for the position

Patriots perspective: Kincaid may be the most intriguing tight end in this draft class. Despite being relatively new to football, he’s an exceptional route runner and a natural hands catcher who isn’t phased by traffic. He has the athleticism to not just win at the top of routes, but pull away from coverage for more separation. Kincaid’s also got the body control and awareness to make catches near the boundary, making him a well-rounded receiving threat with exceptional versatility. Though he lacks ideal size and technique at this point in his career, Kincaid shows upside as a second-level blocker and should continue to develop. He projects as an “F” tight end in the Patriots’ system, where his versatility can be maximized.

 

SAM LAPORTA, IOWA (SENIOR)

Height: 6’3″   Weight: 245 lbs

Scouting Reports

+ Showed positional versatility in college and has the route-running chops to threaten all levels

+ Immediately transitions to YAC mode and shows creativity with the ball in his hands

– Has soft hands, but needs to improve in contested catch situations

– Doesn’t sustain blocks consistently

Patriots perspective: LaPorta’s role as Iowa’s top pass catcher and a do-it-all blocker would make him a fun piece for Bill O’Brien to work with. He combines well-paced routes and a physical style to create separation, then quickly turns upfield for extra yards. LaPorta isn’t the slipperiest player in space, but he maximizes blocking and fights through half-hearted tackles. Like most of his peers, LaPorta isn’t a finished product as a blocker, but he can contribute from multiple spots, and shows desired effort.

 

LUKE MUSGRAVE, OREGON STATE (SENIOR)

Height: 6’ 6’’   Weight: 253 lbs

Scouting Reports

+ Has the size and athletic traits teams covet in receiving tight ends

+ Big target over the middle who extends for passes outside his frame

– Limited college tape due to injury-shortened 2022 and shortened 2020 season

– Not overly physical and struggles with contact in routes

Patriots perspective: Musgrave still needs refinement to maximize his physical traits, but he’s similar to Gesicki with more upside as a blocker. His big frame and catch radius make him an ideal target on crossing routes, and he has the athleticism to line up all over the field. Playing behind Henry and Gesicki will give Musgrave time to improve his technique and acclimate to the pro game, but he should be a quick contributor in the passing game while serving as a backup in-line blocker.