Perry: Prototypical Patriots tight ends in 2022 NFL Draft class originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
If the Patriots are going to feature an offensive attack that utilizes multiple tight ends extensively, and if they can’t count on things suddenly clicking for Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene, they could use more depth behind Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith.
This isn’t the strongest crop of draftable tight ends in recent memory, but there are a handful of fits.
What makes them fits? Well, the Patriots have drafted 14 tight ends under Bill Belichick. Trends have emerged. Size, obviously, is important. The “prototype” falls in the 6-foot-4 range and a shade over 250 pounds. Big hands (about 10 inches) are also preferred.
Perry’s seven-round Patriots mock draft: NE targets TE in middle rounds
Athleticism matters, too. Quick 40 times (4.7-second range) and three-cone drills (7.0-second range) could help a player find his way onto the Patriots roster, as will legitimate lower-body…