New England Patriots: Five most important backups

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Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen (83) in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Dwayne Allen, Tight End

We all know how phenomenal Rob Gronkowski is, but Dwayne Allen is the second most important ‘backup’ in New England for a couple different reasons.

First of all, the second tight end plays a lot in New England, regardless if they are considered a backup or not. The Patriots use their tight ends as well as any team in the NFL, and Allen is replacing Martellus Bennett as that 1A tight end in 2017.

Second, we know that Gronkowski has had a history of nagging injuries, and after playing in only eight games last season, the Patriots knew they had to go out and get someone that could be that no. 1 tight end if the need should arise.

Allen hasn’t exactly been a model of health in his NFL career, but for the price, he was one of the best players the Patriots could have gone out and picked up. He’ll be utilized well in New England if he buys in to the philosophy of the team, and re-establish himself as a playmaker in this offense.

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