The New England Patriots have traded up to double dip at the tight end position in the 2020 NFL Draft. New England moved up to 101st overall in the third round to take Virginia Tech tight end Dalton Keene.
Keene was a versatile piece in Virginia Tech’s offense, serving as a tight end, fullback and H-back. In 2019, he had 21 catches for 240 yards and five touchdowns. In 2018, he had 28 catches for 341 yards and three touchdowns. He should contribute as a blocker in the run game, and he’s a strong enough athlete to improve significantly as a pass-catcher.
In order for the Patriots to get into the Jets’ pick at No. 101, New England gave up Nos. 125 and 129 and a 2021 sixth-round pick. It was the second time in the round the Patriots had traded up for a tight end, with New England moving up to 91st overall to take UCLA tight end Devin Asiasi. The Patriots made Asiasi the second tight end off the board — Keene was the fourth.
Keene is the Patriots fifth pick of the Patriots’ draft class, behind Lenior-Rhyne safety Kyle Duggan (pick no. 37), Michigan outside linebacker Josh Uche (no. 60) and Alabama outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings (87th overall) and Asiasi.
