Plenty of Youth, Inexperience for New England Fullbacks and Tight Ends

Rookies could be playing key tight end and H-back roles in 2020. (Photo: NESN.com)

The Patriots' most glaring hole for over a year has likely been tight end. They don't need the next Rob Gronkowski, but a serviceable starter would be nice. Their tight ends ranked at the bottom of the league in 2019, and their "starter" at the position (Matt LaCosse) has opted out of this season.

While fullback is generally viewed as a less essential position across the league, the Patriots use it as heavily as any other team. When James Develin was lost due to injury last season, the run game took a noticeable hit. To make matters worse, he retired almost immediately after the NFL Draft, leaving New England forced to address both tight end and fullback.

A Youth Movement

They tried their best in the Draft – although they weren't yet aware that LaCosse or Develin would be gone. Still, New England drafted Devin Asiasi (UCLA) and Dalton Keene (Virginia Tech) late in the third round, seemingly with the intent for them to be factors in the offense almost immediately.

Asiasi has the potential to make a make quickly. He was clearly the star of training camp at his position initially, although he was later sidelined with a minor injury. Assuming he can get up to speed on the playbook, he has the ability to outproduce New England's entire tight end group from last season – 36 receptions for 417 yards and two touchdowns.

The coaching staff has acknowledged on numerous occasions that Keene will take some time to develop, but there are a few roles he can play quickly. He frequently lined up at fullback in college, and although his route-running is raw, he is a solid blocker out of the backfield or at the line of scrimmage, and he has soft hands. He also welcomes contact, much like George Kittle of the 49ers. There's a lot to work with.

The Veterans

The only two players returning from last season at this group are Ryan Izzo (tight end) and Jakob Johnson (fullback). In all likelihood, they both make the initial roster – Izzo in particular; I'm less certain that the Patriots will keep a fullback. Neither of them were incredibly productive, but both looked like NFL players – albeit back of the roster rosters.

The Long Shots

Undrafted rookies Rashod Berry (Ohio State) and Jake Burt (Boston College) are both currently on the roster (although Berry may be under consideration on defense now), as are journeyman Paul Butler and Navy alum Paul Quessenberry. Of this group, Quessenberry has the best odds due to his ability to play either position.

The Likely Outcome

By the looks of things, Asiasi should be the top tight end once the season starts. He's known to be a solid receiver, and he's shown more than expected as a blocker.

From there, Keene, Izzo and Johnson likely split situational reps fairly evenly, but you'll likely see more Keene than the prior two by the end of the season. That's the trio that should round out the roster, though. Quessenberry has the makings of a high-priority practice squad player for New England.