2020 NFL draft: 3 reasons why the Patriots selected UCLA TE Devin Asiasi

Finally — a tight end in Foxborough. After trading up from pick 100 to pick 91, the Patriots drafted UCLA tight end Devin Asiasi.

Desperate need

Since Rob Gronkowski called it a carrier on March 24th, 2019, the most glaring position of need on the Patriots’ roster has been tight end. After the team passed on the position in the draft, Ben Watson, Matt LaCosse, and Ryan Izzo failed to bridge the gap last season. Their lack of effectiveness in 11 and 12-personnel sets was one of the main reasons the offense was never able to get into a groove against quality opponents.

Skill set

At 6’ 3”, 257 lbs, the former Michigan Wolverine transfer is a 99% athletic match to tight end Jordan Reid, according to Mockdraftable.com. He has a long-armed frame, can challenge the seams vertically, and — even though he needs some development — he projects as an above average blocker.

Law of averages

After addressing defense or special teams with their last six selections, New England simply couldn’t continue ignoring the most important side of the football. Without an injection of youth and skill into the offense, it’s not going to matter how strong the defense is. Asiasi is a step in the right direction, and a great target for Jarrett Stidham to forge an early bond with.