I'd be willing to give up a first. Actually, I don't know. I haven't studied his game nearly enough to say that. Perhaps, a better way of saying it is I'd be perfectly fine if Belichick is willing to trade away a first round pick.
Two years ago, many analysts were linking him to the Patriots as a potential first round pick. After his combine performance, he was out of our reach. The Patriots value the position and he is supposed to be a two way threat. He was ranked as the best run blocking tight end coming out of college. While he didn't put up a lot of receiving stats, he was seen to have a lot of potential there. He's 6'6"', 250+, runs close to a 4.5 40', under a 7 second 3 cone, and has impressed with his jumping numbers and bench press. He's a physical freak.
His numbers thus far aren't impressive, but pff ranked him as the # 2 tight end last year and Arians doesn't traditionally use tight ends much in the passing game. Belichick does. Belichick will have good info on the guy from Saban. Two way tight ends have always been key parts to our offense. Coates, Watson, Gronk, others, have been very important parts of our offense. Brady has always had a knack for the end zone touch pass over the heads of defenders to tall tight ends. We could use a guy like that to improve our red zone offense.
Fact is the guy has first round talent. He's under contract for reasonable money next season and we would have his rights as a RFA in 2021. We'd only be giving up a very late first for someone that could be a difference maker now. He plays a position that our team normally values and we don't have much talent at the position now, nor anyone who has future potential. We would have to address the position soon anyway. Let's do it now and give this year's team a better chance.
