ESPN’s Offseason Prediction For Patriots Addresses Major Need
The New England Patriots missed the chance to win their straight Super Bowl. Their offense struggled through the entire season. Some say head coach Bill Belichick should have given Tom Brady a better group of receivers. That’s sort of true. They signed troubled Antonio Brown and cut him after 11 days. Mohamed Sanu arrived late in the season, and his fellow wideouts had their own struggles. Julian Edelman was the only reliable target for TB12. Rob Gronkowski announced his decision to retire. New England had hard time finding a replacement for him. ESPN made a prediction about the Patriots offseason.
The Patriots never really tried to replace Gronk. Everyone sort of hoped to see him back. Belichick had high expectations from his tight ends, but they struggled a lot. Ben Watson, Matt LaCosse and Ryan Izzo combined for 35 catches for 418 yards and two touchdown in 27 games.
A bold offseason prediction for the Patriots
This void is a priority now. The 2020 NFL Draft will be here, and coach Belichick has to work out a plan for the upcoming free agency. ESPN’s prediction suggests that New England will go heavy on tight end.
“Whether it’s making a run at one of the top free agents (such as Hunter Henry or Austin Hooper) or devoting notable resources in the draft, the Patriots will make a hard push at the position similar to in 2010, when they drafted Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez and transformed their offense,” Mike Reiss wrote. “While some analysts say this year’s draft isn’t strong at tight end, seeing the success of George Kittle (49ers, fifth round) and Travis Kelce (Chiefs, third round) serves up a reminder that there are always hidden gems to be found.”
Belichick may not lose any time waiting for a miracle. He will go after a tight end. It won’t be Gronk, but it can be someone like him. One mock draft projects the Patriots to use the 23rd overall pick on this position.
Belichick knows how to make the right move at the right time. What’s his top choice for 2020? Is he going after another Gronk?
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About The Author
R. M.
Radmila graduated with a degree in Translation & Interpreting. She is an NBA and NFL writer for The Ball Zone, and has been covering popular sports topics for several years. A loyal Lakers fan, she puts energy into reporting big roster moves, potential trades, on-court-accomplishments, and off-court rumors.
