Either Josh hasn’t been able to figure out how to use him through preseason and 15 games in the playoff hunt, or there isn’t a way. Each game without producing moves the needle further towards what you see is what you get.
I don't disagree that we may have too high a ceiling in terms of Jonnu Smith's ability. But we've seen him flash a few times as a pass catcher a Jet sweep runner and as a blocker. Together with Hunter Henry, the Patriots have a pair of complimentary TEs, whether they share snaps or line up in two TE sets.
What I would love to see is a slot receiver/TE-centric game. Repeatedly throw the ball, with a lot of play action, to Smith, Henry and whomever Josh thinks is his go-to slot receiver. If the slot guys are Olszewski and Meyers, go there frequently while Smith and Henry work the middle of the field and seam routes. Get Mac Jones looking in there, picking up six to 10 yards regularly, and comfortable like Brady was with his TEs and slot receivers when they need to pick up the pace.
The beauty of the Slot/TE focus is that it wears out linebackers and safeties, while forcing the QB to get the ball out in less than three seconds. Defensive linemen hate that stuff, the LBs and safeties need to stay home, and it sets up the run. Right now, the Patriots are so run-first, the defenses are putting six and seven guys in the box on almost every play.
Maybe Josh McDaniels doesn't trust these guys to be in the right place. Maybe he's too infatuated with a good running game.
Maybe the Jaguars are the right team to gash with this approach. I hope so.