Despite what the relative lack of production at the position since about 2017 would lead you to believe.
While drafting 16 tight ends, six in the first three rounds, two of those 1st rounders.
Traditionally it’s taken a one-year apprenticeship in this system to get acclimated.
He’s good at this.
What there isn’t is a consensus on the pecking order.
It basically compiles all the biggest mocks and ranks accordingly.
Cole Kmet in 2020.
Tommy Tremble in 2021.
He’s probably the prototype in his class of the TE/WR combo.
So he’s very much an eye-of-the-beholder prospect.
Still, it’s not like guys with his physical profile fall onto your lap every day.
He’s probably a late 1st rounder, from a big Patriots feeder program.
So definitely one to watch.
1 tight end on no less a site than NFL.com.
But I’ve found others where he’s a low as sixth.
But the Mock Database does not lie.
But he does bounce off tacklers and can take a hit.
Which I guess helps explain why everyone is in such disagreement over him.
He could be a huge value pick or the kind of bust that gets scouts sent to the XFL.
It’s anyone’s guess.
He’s been the most valuable player on the Hawkeyes each of the past two seasons.
He was their team captain.
He’s another guy who lines up inside or in the slot.
And he’s got the size/speed profile of a tight end.
If he has a downside, it’s his hands, as his 217 career targets included 14 drops.
So that’ll have to improve.
I’m also partial to him because because I can’t get Frankie Pantangeli’s voice yelling “Chich!
out of my head when he wanted Don Chichi to pop kick open the door.
Again, that’s just me.
Think of the fun they’ll have around Foxboro with this last name.
As did the way the Jackrabbits utilized him.
Think of the fun we’ll have with … actually strike that.
He’s been hearing it his entire life.
Instead, let’s focus on the combination of size, speed and athleticism with this guy.
He does have the size and leap to pull down highpoint catches.
He was productive in a tough conference, with 35 catches and 418 yards.
And he’s one of the better run blockers in this class.
But he does show an understanding for finding seams in the defense and giving his quarterback a target.
He’s kind of a high floor/medium ceiling guy.
Forget I brought it up.
But they’ll never be able to catch up to the number of Joneses, so forget it.
His strongest suit is blocking and toughness in the run game.
But is likely to go later on to develop as the second banana in a two-tight end offense.
Which the Pats are hoping to create for about the 10th year in a row.
But there’s nothing wrong with him that can’t be solved at an NFL training table.
He’s got elite hands, with only six drops in his five seasons.
And that he and Belichick are pals?
Mac Jones also played there.
Though Latu didn’t play on the 2020 championship team.
So there’s that.
He could be a last day selection or a camp invite.
And Lord knows they don’t shy away from Georgia Bulldogs, so Washington is in the mix.
But I think they’ve targeted Kincaid for a reason.
And that’s because he’s what they’re looking for at the position for the next 5-10 years.
Whom the Patriots Will Draft: Kincaid.If he’s available, of course.
These are the kinds of players they love in a position of need.
Earlier previews:
Wide receivers
Offensive tackles
