New England Patriots: Players to trade-up for in the 2021 NFL Draft
By Ian Higgins
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Kyle Pitts TE
Potential Trade:
A consensus selection at number 15 overall for the New England Patriots early on in the 2021 NFL Draft season, Florida tight end Kyle Pitts has continued to improve his draft stock and ensured top-ten status with a pro day that certified his unique blend between seam-busting tight end and jump-ball wide receiver. Despite signing both Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry in free agency, the New England Patriots could still be eyeing the most explosive offensive weapon of the 2021 NFL Draft.
With the unique blend of 4.4 speed, 6-foot-6 size, smooth route-running, and effective run-blocking, Pitts has shattered the barrier between tight end and receiver to become a multi-alignment threat. Why limit his use solely to the tight end position? Smith and Henry both bring their own versatility as well, offering the opportunity for a three-headed receiving core of mismatch pass-catchers who can box out nearly any matchup in coverage.
Next. Patriots' late-round 2021 NFL Draft targets. dark
Although the conventional approach would be to target the previously mentioned Devonta Smith (or another wide receiver who falls among the top three), the New England Patriots have double-dipped at the tight end position before (2010, Gronkowski & Hernandez. Bucking the trend of undersized speed, the Patriots would complement their power-running offense & top-grade offensive line with three oversized receivers who can run-block.