New England Patriots’ Top Potential Replacement For Ben Watson Revealed

Ben Watson left the New England Patriots and announced his decision to retire. The tight end retired after 15 NFL seasons, and he spent seven years playing with the Pats. The Patriots are left without some of their most valuable players, and they really need to find a replacement for the great Ben Watson.

According to Karen Guregian from the Boston Herald, the Patriots have seven options.

Gurgian sees Chicago Bears’ Adam Shaheen as a possible fit for the Patriots. There’s a chance for a trade, and cap expert Miguel Benzan has discussed his deal. A trade deal would sent wideout Mohamed Sanu to the Bears. The Patriots would get Shaheen and this trade would generate $5.5 million in cap space. Is this a real option for the Pats?

A Sanu for Shaheen trade would create close to $5.5M in cap space for the Patriots https://t.co/xPqWnGcHkB

— Cap Space=$1,101,775 (@patscap) March 29, 2020

Matt LaCossee played 11 games in 2019 as a Patriot. He had 13 receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown. If Belichick gives him more opportunities, LaCosse could boost those numbers. However, he shouldn’t be seen as a long-term option.

Another Patriot in the line

Ryan Izzo was also a Patriot in 2019. He is 24, and offers some big-play skills. Izzo saw action in six games in his rookie campaign. He recorded six receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown. He’s definitely in.

Notre Dame’s Cole Kmet is the most high profile. However, Lance Zierlein didn’t really say much about his talent.

“Long bodied, early entry Y tight end prospect who is a better pass threat than run blocker at this stage. Kmet should continue to fill out his frame, but his run blocking is too scattered and needs better focus and efficiency as a pro. He can be jammed and slowed by early contact into his route, but once he’s striding, he becomes a legitimate second-level threat with sneaky separation speed and intriguing ball skills. He’s still developing and could be a slow starter headed into the league, but he has the talent to eventually become a solid starter as a pass-catching in-line tight end with the ability to mismatch from the slot with his size.”

Some more replacement options for Ben Watson

Dayton’s Adam Trautman did damage against the team’s rivals. The question is next. Will he remain this productive against elite NFL players? Trautman is seen as a Day 3 option for most NFL teams. In other words, the Patriots can use him as one of their 12 picks.

Floria Atlantic’s Harrison Bryant is often compared to San Francisco 49ers George Kittle. His athleticism is described with the trait “basketball fluidity.” Tony Gonzales and Antonio Gates have shown this type of athleticism. A lot of analysts are thrilled about Bryant’s role in the NFL. If New England wants to sign him in the next few weeks, they should trade back from the No. 23 selection in the first round to add a pick and get a chance to sign Bryant.

Missouri’s Albert Okwuegbunam is one of the best options in this draft. He stands at 6’5’’ and 258 pounds. He ran 4.48 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. His route running skills and impressive.