2020 NFL Draft: Patriots 7-round mock following playoff exit
By Randy Gurzi
Pick Analysis. 3. 844. Scouting Report. TE. Arkansas. C.J. O'Grady. player
Rob Gronkowski was one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets for years. No matter who was on the field with them, as long as Brady, Gronk, and Julian Edelman were all suited up, they were tough to beat.
But Gronk did take a beating during his career. Part of the problem with such a powerful player is he takes a lot of punishment on every play since he’s so hard to bring down. In addition to that, he had injury problems before coming into the NFL.
This played a huge part in him hanging up the cleats. And with Gronkowski gone, the offense wasn’t as explosive. So with that said, the Patriots try and get a new tight end to open up the passing game with C.J. O’Grady from Arkansas.
He’s not the player Gronk was, but he is an intriguing option as a receiving threat at tight end. He’s not a stellar blocker but his route-running and ability to gain yards after the catch are huge. There are some red flags about his off-field behavior but if any team can reel him in, it would be the Patriots.
895. Boise State. Ezra Cleveland. player. OT. 4. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
With Marshall Newhouse entering free agency, the Patriots could elect to get younger at offensive tackle and find a new swing tackle. That leads to the selection of Ezra Cleveland with their fourth-round pick.
Cleveland is a solid pass-blocker with good athleticism and ideal size. He’s also good out in space, which is something that will help him in New England as they are fans of the short passing game.