I really can’t answer that yet. I’ve been primarily focusing on free agency at this point while slowly getting up to speed on the draft. It takes me a while to first find all the prospects I like, then order them how much I like them. It’s a matter of finding where the value will be.
One thing I will speak to is how most mocks have the Pats taking Jace Amaro in the first round. I don’t see it. Amaro is not going to come in and be the “Y” tight end with heavy in-line blocking responsibility. He’s a great fit in that Hernandez “F” role where he could be moved around and would be a mismatch blocking on defensive backs.
The Pats will likely get someone like Scott Chandler as Gronk insurance to be that heavy blocking Y guy, I think those two would be a great combo. Or even prospects like Niklas or Seferian-Jenkins are better Y fits and I’d say both are more likely better targets and better value picks.
I see Amaro more as a luxury pick and that kind of value just doesn’t jive from what I believe the Patriots expect out of a first-round pick. which is for them to be a three-down player at least, and maybe even a four-down (special teams) guy. Amaro’s coming out of Texas Tech, was mostly a receiver and would take time to develop his ability to block NFL caliber defensive lineman.
No doubt he’d be an exciting addition to the offense, but I think if they make a first round pick they’ll be better served looking along the line on either side of the ball. The “F” is a need, but not an integral part of the offense. Just because he’s a tight end, doesn’t mean he’s the right kind of tight end.
This is just an example of how I don’t see the value of the player to the Patriots matching up with where he will likely be chosen.
