Patriots Projected To Sign ‘Explosive’ TE In 2024

The New England Patriots lost Rob Gronkowski after the 2018 Super Bowl and head coach Bill Belichick struggled to find a decent replacement. He signed two tight ends last season, but Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith didn’t meet expectations. According to Dane Bugler from The Athletic, the Patriots could get another explosive TE in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Bugler believes that Belichick could select Georgia tight end Brock Bowers in the first round of the 2024 Draft.

“We’ve known about Brock Bowers for two years,” The 33rd Team wrote. “The explosive and versatile tight end has been incredibly productive for the defending back-to-back national champion Bulldogs. He already has 20 career-receiving touchdowns in college.”

Just a friendly reminder that as fun as this year's draft is gonna be, next year's draft is gonna be absurd.

Caleb Williams. Drake Maye. Marvin Harrison Jr.

Oh, and Brock Bowers, after three years of doing stuff like this at Georgia pic.twitter.com/VRLxYFtxmk

— Aaron Torres Sports Podcast (@AaronTorresPod) April 27, 2023

Patriots are ideal option for the explosive TE

In the past two seasons with the Bulldogs, Bowers had 119 catches for 1,824 yards and 20 touchdowns. He measures at 6’44, 230 pounds, but his performance his bigger than his size.

“Bowers is among the one-percenters who are physically ready for the NFL after their freshman seasons,” Brugler wrote. “He’s a tad undersized for the position, but his athletic skill — especially with the ball in his hands — is outstanding.”

Experts have a few concerns about the Patriots and their ranking in the AFC East.

“It may come as a surprise the New England Patriots are picking inside the top 10 for the first time in more than two decades, but there are no more softballs in a gauntlet of an AFC East,” The 33rd Team wrote. “The Patriots reload with a talented player at No. 9.”

The Patriots will face serious competition in their division. They will have to go against Aaron Rodgers and Josh Allen which makes things a lot difficult for the team. Belichick has a few issues to handle, including his top quarterback positions. He also has to boost his passing game.

When it comes to tight ends, the Patriots have Henry and Mike Gesicki. In 2022, Henry had 41 passes for 509 yards and two touchdowns and the latter had 32 catches for 362 receptions and five touchdowns.