The New England Patriots are entering what can be an offseason that completely changes their franchise. With Tom Brady hitting free agency and many believing that he could leave town, Bill Belichick and company could have to make some drastic roster changes.
No matter what ends up happening with the Brady situation, the Patriots have to make additions to their roster. One position of need this offseason will be tight end.
CBS Sports has listed Notre Dame standout tight end Cole Kmet as a potential fit for the Patriots in the 2020 NFL Draft. That could be a pick that pays of both now and especially long-term.
Kmet would certainly be an upgrade at tight end from what the Patriots were working with in 2019. He has solid size and athleticism and a great pair of hands.
Last season with the Fighting Irish, Kmet caught 43 passes for 515 yards and six touchdowns. Those numbers don’t scream “superstar,” but they also aren’t awful. Within the Patriots’ offense, Kmet could very well blossom into a star.
Standing in at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, Kmet would be a huge security blanket for whoever is at quarterback in New England. If Brady returns, the Patriots would have a tight end that could help them get back to the offense they had with Rob Gronkowski on board.
NFL.com currently has Tyler Higbee listed as Kmet’s best NFL comparison. Higbee isn’t talked about much, but he is talented and is an impact player for the Los Angeles Rams.
Expect to see the Patriots be aggressive in their pursuit of a tight end this offseason. Taking Kmet in the draft may not be a “sexy” pick, but it could pay off big-time in the future.
