It’s fair to say that Rob Gronkowski is not coming back. Given that Benjamin Watson will be suspended for the first four weeks of the season, the Patriots still have a gaping hole at the Tight End position with the regular season a mere two months away.
Here are some options the Patriots can consider to fill this void. Whether they be a natural Tight End or a big Wide Receiver, all of the players on this list would fill in just fine.
DEMARYIUS THOMAS:
Demaryius Thomas is a Wide Receiver that is bulky enough to fill in at the Tight End position. He is big enough to hold his own against a Linebacker and quick enough to outrun a Defensive Back. Thomas is a solid temporary solution until Benjamin Watson returns from his suspension in Week Five.
DEZ BRYANT:
Dez Bryant is another big Wide Receiver that the Patriots could use to fill in until Watson returns. In fact, the addition of Bryant makes sense even with Watson. Like Rob Gronkowski, Bryant is a big body that naturally causes mismatches. He would be the most physically gifted Wide Receiver the Patriots have had since Randy Moss if he’s healthy. A little bit of work on his blocking and he would be perfect.
BRING BACK AUSTIN SEFERIAN-JENKINS:
Last month the Patriots released Austin Seferian-Jenkins due to “personal issues”. Thomas and Bryant have the potential to be great, but Tight End isn’t their natural position. If he feels physically and mentally healthy enough come September, the Patriots should definitely welcome him back as he is easily the most talented Tight End on this list. He is a big bodied underrated pass catcher. He’s not as dynamic as Gronk, but Tom Brady would easily be able to use him in the same manner.
LANCE KENDRICKS:
Just three seasons removed from a breakout 50 catch campaign with the Los Angeles Rams, Lance Kendricks is a considerable option. Kendricks is a Tight End that catches passes like a Wide Receiver. He stands out as a potential small money move that pays big dividends (moves that the Patriots are known for).
MICHAEL HOOMANAWANUI:
The Patriots would have everything to gain and nothing to lose by bringing back old friend Michael Hoomanawanui. Hoomanawanui spent four years with the Patriots and won a Super Bowl with the team in 2014. He would come to New England with a knowledge of the Patriots offense that is deeper than any other player on this list. If they choose to add a Tight End, the Patriots would likely prefer to keep him even after Watson’s suspension, and that’s where Hoomanawanui’s experience makes sense. He should fit right in upon arrival. If Josh Gordon gets reinstated in time for the regular season, this move makes perfect sense because it allows the Patriots to shift towards blocking Tight Ends as opposed to primarily pass catchers. Although Brady is familiar enough with Hoomanawanui to use him as a pass catcher when needed.
Let’s dive right into the Patriots first four picks in a draft that they absolutely nailed. Stay on the lookout for breakdowns of the later rounds and the UDFAs.
32. N’KEAL HARRY, WR
ARIZONA STATE
The Patriots pleasantly surprised on Thursday night. They not only drafted a receiver in the first round, but one of N’Keal Harry’s caliber. The evaluation of the wide receiver class this year was at times murky waters of sorts. Many passionate film buffs, scouts, and analysts had N’Keal Harry fluctuating from the fourth best receiver in this class to the first. After watching a ton of film on this kid, all signs point to Harry being much closer to that number one spot to that number four.
What he does right:
-Contested ball catcher, reminds of a DeAndre Hopkins in that regard.
-Big-bodied, yet moves at a pretty good speed for his size
-Very smart, faired really well during Patriots visit with playbook retention
-Understands how to use his body to make catches
-Will play some outside receiver, could also play a good deal of slot at the next level
-Very solid catch radius
-Makes catches look easier than they really are
-Good jump off the ball
-Like a Marshawn Lynch or Gronk once he has the ball, very hard to tackle, YAC monster
-Can be a redzone monster at a Pro level, will help replace that redzone presence of Gronk
Some nuances in his game:
-Not polished route runner
-Sometimes struggles with press off the line of scrimmage
-Occasionally struggles with focus in his game
-Not overly explosive or necessarily athletic
-May struggle to separate
-Not the greatest blocker in the world
Pro comparison: Dez Bryant
Instant impact: 3rd receiver on depth chart, gets utilized in LaFell role
Grade: A+
45. JOEJUAN WILLIAMS, CB
VANDERBILT
Oh boy, did some people get mad over this pick or what? I have never seen so many fans get angry over a great pick. Besides maybe the picks after that, like Damien Harris, Yondy Cajuste, Hjalte Froholdt, and Jake Bailey. If Belichick had a nickel for every Patriots fan that said, “What is he doing? WE NEED A TIGHT END!”, Bill would probably be dining at an expensive restaurant on that money alone. Joejuan Williams is a corner who Belichick loved coming into the draft. He is a tall, bigger corner who excels at pressing receivers and covering bigger targets. Williams brings the Patriots size at the corner position that they really have not had since Brandon Browner.
What he does right:
-Great physical traits
-Great mental processing and awareness
-Watches a boat load of film
-Tremendous press corner
-Described by many as “disruptive” to receivers
-Has shown ability to come up and play the run
-Appears to have a really good understanding of coverage schemes
-Very, very good play recognition
-Extremely physical
-Solid tackler
-Faired really well against A.J Brown, DaMarkus Lodge, and Riley Rildey, who all were solid receivers in this year’s draft class
Some nuances in his game:
-Fluidity
-Technique at line of scrimmage must improve drastically
-Not a world-class athlete
-Not a big playmaker
-Struggles against shiftier receivers, Patriots would not match him up against Antonio Brown
-Inconsistency in his game
Pro comparison: Richard Sherman
Instant impact: 3rd corner on depth chart, battles with bigger targets, get utilized in Browner role
Grade: A-
77. CHASE WINOVICH, EDGE
MICHIGAN
While he is undersized, Chase will play much like a Rob Ninkovich or Mike Vrabel. Winovich is an exciting pick for two reasons.
1. He was an early second round pick in most people’s eyes. Sometimes even a late first.
2. He helps replace some of the wackiness we lost when Gronk retired. Better hope Gronk does not come back because a nuclear war might erupt in that locker room. How crazy is he? He ate a live fish for a $20 bill.
Chase will play both defensive end and outside linebacker. This will give the linebacking core some more flexibility and the defensive line an edge rusher that does not quit.
What he does right:
-Nice hand usage
-Very measured and strategic, has a game plan every play on how to attack the quarterback
-Unreal amount of effort, will benefit that defense immensely
-Really high floor
-Good run defender
-High motor, full of energy
-Toughness
-His heart, toughness, and effort could translate well to kick coverage or punt coverage teams as well
-Loves football, wants to learn from veterans
-Brings lots of versatility
-Great execution
-Smart football player
-Recognizes blocking schemes very well
-Extremely physical
Some nuances in his game:
-Not the greatest athlete in the world
-Does not have too many pass rush moves in his tool belt
-Low ceiling
-Undersized for defensive end, not athletic enough to play outside linebacker
-Will struggle in some matchups at the next level
-Not exactly explosive
-Can be kind of slow off the ball
-Hips not very fluid, not bendy
-Not a speed-counter type of rusher
-Range
-Change of direction
Pro comparison: Clay Matthews
Instant impact: Rotational defensive end, majority of snaps on first/second down, Ninkovich role
Grade: B+
87. DAMIEN HARRIS, RB
ALABAMA
Damien Harris will be a beast behind this offensive line, sharing carries with Sony Michel, James White, and Rex Burkhead. Runningback was also a need for the Patriots in this draft class. The need not in an immediate sense, but more for down the road. Rex Burkhead and Sony Michel have struggled to stay healthy in their respective careers, and James White and Rex Burkhead’s contracts climb to higher cap numbers next season, then expire in 2021. I personally expected Belichick to go runningback at some point in this draft class, but not this early. However, I personally am glad that Belichick grabbed Damien Harris. Damien will be a beast in the run game and can contribute on special teams. Patriots now have a four-headed monster in the backfield.
What he does right:
-Played both gap and zone run schemes at Alabama
-Win first mentality
-Big-bodied
-Excellent vision
-Very explosive
-Finds open space in defense with ease
-Very balanced and solid
-Can be bell cow type of back, although it is unlikely he is utilized like this in New England’s system
-One cut
-Demonstrates good patience
-Runs really hard, runs through defenders
-Will not lose yards to gain yards, north-south runner
-Measured, collected, and controlled runner
Some nuances in his game:
-Change of direction is his kryptonite
-Instinct and creativity is shaky at times
-Slightly below average burst
-Lacks elusive traits
-Will get caught from behind because of lack of burst
-Hand technique is spotty
Pro comparison: Corey Clement
Instant impact: Rotational back, short-yardage back, will fight Burkhead for carries
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones (right) talks with receiver Dez Bryant (88) before an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, Sunday, November 15, 2015. The Buccaneers defeated the Cowboys, 10-6. (James D. Smith via AP)Dez Bryant is about to be released by the Dallas Cowboys. With Brandin Cooks gone and the lack of a deep threat, should the Patriots try to sign Dez Bryant? Overall, Dez Bryant has scored 73 touchdowns in his career. Bryant could be the missing piece the Patriots need to fill the whole of Brandin Cooks. New England comes into this season without Danny Amendola and Brandin Cooks. Cooks wasn’t really productive when he was here, but the hole Danny Amendola is leaving is big. Especially in the playoffs. Jordan Matthews has some big shoes to fill to replace Danny Amendola.
Dez Bryant Has Similarities to Randy Moss
Via Caleb RandallDez Bryant is your Randy Moss type of receiver regarding his personality. Randy Moss, though, was much worse in Oakland than Bryant is with the Cowboys. Bryant can really have the chance to win in New England and be productive in the Patriot offense. It will be a big loss for Dallas, but he deserves a chance at being on a winning team. Dallas is good; they just seem to be missing pieces like leadership.
As for the Patriots, Julian Edelman is coming back from an ACL injury. Rob Gronkowski has a hard time staying on the field. As for Jordan Matthews, he played in ten games last season and had one touchdown. Bryant played in 16 games last season and scored six touchdowns. If Edelman, Gronkowski, or Matthews gets hurt, at least Brady will have someone decent to throw too.
Today Bryant will meet with Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones to discuss his future with the Cowboys. Let’s see how this plays out. If he gets released, the Patriots should be all in on him. Who knows, he could be a legit player for the Patriots for a few years beyond this one too.
