NFL Draft 2019: 5 teams most likely to take a tight end
By Kevin Scott
New England Patriots
The dance Gronkowski is doing above is the dance many Patriots haters did when they heard Gronk was retiring. And although it is impossible to guess what Bill Belichick has in mind for this season’s reboot, it certainly wouldn’t be surprising to see him target one of these tight ends early. They did just sign Austin Seferian-Jenkins to a one-year deal, but the short deal means they definitely don’t see him as a long term answer at the position.
The Patriots are also stocked with draft picks, with 12 total picks, including two seconds and three thirds, making various trades to grab a tight end entirely possible. The most obvious fit for the team is Hockenson, who many have compared to Gronk since he also is an elite blocker but also an excellent route runner from various spots (in line, in the slot, and out wide). If Hockenson somehow makes it to the 32nd pick, the Patriots would run to turn in that card. But more likely they would have to package a couple later picks to move up to grab him.
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Irv Smith is also known as an excellent blocker, having been schooled by Nick Saban at Alabama, and he could be a nice long-term replacement for Gronk as well. In the end, none of the tight ends in this draft is likely to be an all-timer like Rob Gronkowksi, but if the Patriots draft one and start developing him, it would do a lot to help keep them on top.
Kevin Scott is a fantasy football veteran who has made a profit in his leagues 10 years running. He recently joined Twitter and can be followed @champofantasy.