It was obvious that the Patriots weren’t going to be able to replace the production of Rob Gronkowski after his retirement. However, there was a realistic expectation that New England would be able to find a couple tight ends that could produce 80% of the numbers Gronkowski put up.

Last year, with Matt Lacosse, Ben Watson, and Ryan Izzo, the Patriots tight end group was one of the worst in the NFL. The three combined for just 36 receptions, 418 yards, and two touchdowns. Those were 32nd, 30th, and 32nd in the league in terms of team production from the position. In a good year, those numbers would be serviceable from a singular second option.

Now, New England has lost Watson to retirement, and they’ve yet to make a move to bring in a free agent. The 2020 draft may be their last chance to add a productive tight end to the roster. Here are the top tight ends that could be available in each round.

Round 1 – Cole Kmet, Notre Dame

With the amount of talent in the first round of this year’s draft, there aren’t many tight ends who would be considered to go on Day 1. However, if one were to be selected it would Kmet. The former Fighting Irish tight end put up 691 yards and six touchdowns in 23 games in his college career. His 6-foot-6, 260-pound frame projects him to be a solid blocker in the future, but the skill isn’t totally there yet. He could perfect the seam route that Gronkowski succeeded with and provide the offense with another big-bodied red zone target.