For those that wanted the New England Patriots to draft Georgia tight end Darnell Washington, they could find some level of intrigue with the team signing Louisiana tight end Johnny Lumpkin as an undrafted free agent, per The Score’s Jordan Schultz.
Lumpkin is a massive athlete with a similar build to that of Washington. He stands at 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds with the ability to serve predominantly as a blocking tight end right of the gates.
The Patriots already have two receiving tight ends with Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki. So Lumpkin definitely fits the mold of the kind of player that could stick if he proves himself on the practice field.
Granted, he hasn’t shown Washington’s potential as a receiver, but there is still plenty of room to grow for the rookie tight end that hauled in 16 receptions for 143 yards and four touchdowns last season with the Ragin’ Cajuns.
Former Louisiana Lafeyette TE Johnny Lumpkin is signing with the #Patriots, source tells @theScore. 6-6, 268-pounder with upside.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 29, 2023
At the very least, he can help fortify the offensive front that the Patriots appeared hell-bent on rebuilding through the draft.
