New England Patriots: 2020 NFL Draft late-round sleeper targets

As mentioned when we talked about the team needs for the New England Patriots, there has been a void at the tight end position since the departure of all-pro tight end Rob Gronkowski. New England does not need to spend money on the open market at the position, but can instead spend a day two selection on one of the most athletically gifted players at the position.

At 6-foot-5, 258 pounds, and running a 4.49, Albert Okwuegbunam is one of the most freakish tight ends to enter the NFL in a long time. Okwuegbunam can beat defenders with his size, speed, or a combination of both on any given snap.

His speed was used at Missouri both down the boundary and up the seam (New England’s favorite for tight ends). Once behind defenders, his 6-foot 5 frame and 34-inch arms give him the reach to go up and over any undersized cornerback chasing him down.

When in the process of making the catch, Okwuegbunam brings comparisons to some of the best red-zone wide receivers in the NFL with his body control and footwork. At his size, Okwuegbunam should not have the kind of grace and agility he does, but he has never shown problems in his collegiate years reeling in passes when hugging the boundary.

Okwuegbunam did not have a plethora of opportunities to show his after the catch ability on crossing routes, but with his size and speed it can only be imagined how tough of a tackle he can be in the open field. His blocking can use some work, but with the physical gifts he has should only take an offseason of coaching to become refined enough to be a three-down tight end.