Breaking down the TEs ahead of training camp

Mac Jones will need to do more for the offense in 2022, and so the New England Patriots tight ends will need to do more for Jones. Hunter Henry was one of the team’s biggest weapons last season, but tight end Jonnu Smith was among the team’s biggest underachievers.

This offseason, Smith put together an impressive minicamp, which could mean big things for him in 2022. Certainly, he missed a lot (and justifiably so) in 2021 when he skipped the offseason program for what was essentially a paternity leave following the birth of his child. With an entire offseason of practices, he might just have a more impactful regular season.

So let’s dive into his prospects along with the rest of the position.

Locks to make the team: Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith

(AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)

These two are sure things to make the team. Henry was the team’s biggest red zone threat for the passing game — and one of Jones’ favorite targets on the team. The Patriots favored Henry so much that teams began to key on him. Defenses that shut down Henry were able to hamper Jones’ scoring abilities — which is how running back Damien Harris ended up with 14 rushing touchdowns last season.

That’s why Smith is such a pivotal player for the offense in 2022. He needs to be a much bigger threat, especially in the red area where Henry needs help. Smith finished with 28 catches for 294 yards and one touchdown. The Patriots are likely hoping he’ll double his sum of catches and yards in 2022 — and perhaps increase his touchdown total by a multiple of six.

On the bubble: Dalton Keene, Devin Asiasi

(AP Photo/Stew Milne)

In 2020, these two tight ends looked like the future. The Patriots drafted both players in the third round and seemed to think they were the answer at the position, which looked like a mess following the retirement (and trade) of Rob Gronkowski.

Of course, Asiasi and Keene’s prospects are now messy. The Patriots were forced to spend $25 million per year on Henry and Smith when they inked deals last offseason. Clearly, New England felt they weren’t going to get what they needed from the 2020 draft picks. There’s no saying whether they’ll earn a roster spot. But neither had promising performances at minicamp. It looks like their Patriots careers may be coming to an end.

Unlikely to make the team: Matt Sokol

Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

Sokol is…