The New England Patriots could lose a key player to free agency next season, and replacing him in this year's NFL Draft could be wise.
The Patriots lost tight end Austin Hooper to the Atlanta Falcons in free agency. Hooper was a blocking tight end, and the Patriots replaced that element by signing Julian Hill. However, the Patriots could start thinking about adding a receiving tight end to take over if Hunter Henry is gone after next season. Patriots insider Evan Lazar predicted the Patriots would draft tight end Oscar Delp out of the University of Georgia in the third round of the draft.
Should the Patriots use a top 100 pick on a tight end? The answer there depends on whether the Patriots want to spend big on a receiving tight end next offseason. If they do not draft a tight end that they can develop, then they may have to sign a starter if they let Henry walk. Stars like Tucker Kraft and Kyle Pitts could be on the market, so if the Patriots think they can land one of them, then they would be wise to hold off on using a draft pick on a tight end in the top 100.
However, the reality is that the Patriots may not have the money to spend on a star tight end next offseason. They have to extend Christian Gonzalez and Drake Maye, which will significantly impact their ability to spend. Drafting Delp this year would allow him to learn from Henry and get acclimated, and then take over as the top tight end next year if he has to.
Delp did not put up great receiving numbers in college with the Georgia Bulldogs. However, his NFL Combine performance indicates that he could be a better pass catcher in the league.
"New England added a plus-run blocking tight end in free agency in Hill, who will upgrade their rushing attack, but the future at the position remains on the radar with Hunter Henry entering his age-32 season," wrote Lazar on Monday. "Henry has been a rock-solid Patriot, but like Moses at right tackle, it's time to start planning for the future.
"The pre-draft hype train for the Georgia product is at full steam after Delp ran a 4.49-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day with a 9.82 relative athletic score at 6-5, 245 pounds. Delp uses instant burst off the line to challenge second-level defenders, generates yards after the catch with great open-field speed, and is a solid blocker in space with the grit to compete in the run game. He's an exciting prospect, but with only 20 catches for 261 yards last season, we're projecting that his receiving production will take off in the pros."
Henry will be 32 after this season, and the Patriots may be open to letting him walk. Having Delp in the building would keep them from having to focus on adding a tight end next offseason.
More NFL: Patriots' Robert Kraft Outlines Objective For Next Season