Patriots Advised To Avoid Risking Draft Pick On ‘Second Version Of Rob Gronkowski’

The New England Patriots lost Rob Gronkowski a few seasons ago, but they can easily get someone like him. Big Gronk was one of a kind and replacing him won’t be that easy. However, Bill Belichick is close to getting a draft pick who can actually turn into a legendary tight end.

Joe Tansey from Bleacher Report would never use a 14^th overall pick to get Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer.

“The thought of Mayer becoming the second version of Rob Gronkowski in New England has to have at least crossed the minds of some Patriots fans,” Tansey wrote. “Mayer measured at 6’4½” and 249 pounds at the NFL combine. Gronkowski checked in at 6’6″ and 264 pounds before the 2010 NFL draft. The allure of drafting Mayer at No. 14 is understandable because of Henry’s drop-off from nine touchdown catches in 2021 to two in 2022. Henry’s receiving-yard total fell from 603 to 509.”

The Patriots can get Mayer, but Tansey wants them to work on the offense.

“Mayer could be the best player available on the board at No. 14, but the Patriots can’t risk taking him with two veteran tight ends already in place and a clear need on the outside at wide receiver,” Tansey added.

Belichick and the Patriots linked to another draft pick

Adam Schefter from ESPN reported that Dalton Kincaid will arrive in New England for a pre-draft visit.

“Kincaid visited the Bengals today, and is scheduled to be in New England on Thursday and Green Bay next week,” Schefter tweeted. “He already has visited, or spent significant time with, the Texans, Raiders, Chargers, Jaguars, Titans, Lions, Chiefs and Cowboys.”

Dr. Robert Watkins recently sent a letter to NFL teams, fully clearing Utah TE and expected first-round pick Dalton Kincaid from the back injury he suffered last season.
 
“Dalton Kincaid sustained a back injury while playing football on 11/26/2022,” said the email from Dr.…

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 12, 2023

The Patriots made some mistakes in the last few seasons and some of the players failed to meet expectations. Robert Kraft trusts Belichick and his experience, but he really wants the Patriots to start winning games. Things went terribly wrong following the Super Bowl win in 2018. Let’s see if Belichick finds the missing pieces of his puzzle and take his team to the Super Bowl again.