FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Four Downs: AFC East

Don’t think there’s much question that tight end is the biggest need for the Pats, but with everyone mocking Jace Amaro in the first round to us, I think that’s kind of a stretch.

Why? I’m not convinced Amaro is truly ready to step in at the “Y” tight end spot and play every down. That’s what the Patriots would expect out of a first-round pick at the position. Let’s remember even Gronk went in the second round, and the Pats haven’t taken a tight end in the first round since Ben Watson ten years ago.

Amaro is more of a fit at the F spot, which Hernandez played. He played mostly as a receiver at Texas Tech and was rarely asked to block. That kind of rookie is not going to step into the NFL and be a three-down tight end. They need an F, but the priority has to be finding a Y who can block and threaten the seam. Amaro would be more of a luxury pick at that point given the value and his skill set.

That’s why you see a lot of Pats pundits mentioning Scott Chandler in free agency. He’s the kind of tight end they need.

I also disagree that the Pats offense is specifically building the two-tight end offense again. I think it just kind of worked out that way. No one knew a fourth round pick like Hernandez would become such a potent weapon. Would they like to get back to that? Of course. Is that specifically what they’ll try to do in the draft? Only if the opportunity presents itself for good value.