Patriots’ positional preview: Re-tooled TE group could surprise

With a few rookies and a couple vets, the TEs could be important this year.

Devin Asiasi

Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Asiasi was the Patriots first of two tight ends selected in the third round of this year’s draft. In college, he spent his freshman year at Michigan but only played two games. After transferring to UCLA and sitting out a season due to transfer rules, Asiasi put up 50 receptions for 771 yards and five touchdowns in his two seasons as a Bruin.

The soon-to-be 23-year-old could fit well in New England as an in-line tight end. He has shown the ability and willingness to block, and he succeeds in the middle of the field on seam routes. If the Patriots capitalize on play-action as they have in the past, Asiasi could find his way on the field early in the season.