With Rob Gronkowski’s potential retirement looming, one should wonder if the New England Patriots will draft a tight end in the upcoming 2019 NFL draft.
Amongst the potential candidates is Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson, who is amongst the best at the position in this upcoming draft. When Hockenson was asked about New England and the potential of him playing for them, he had this to say at the NFL Scouting Combine.
“We all look up to the Patriots,” Hockenson told reporters on Friday. “Obviously, they are at the highest level, and they are doing what they are doing at the highest level. Any team that I am able to go to that’s what I’m going to be looking for is to do things at the highest level as a team, as an organization.”
Because Hockenson is valued as one of the best tight ends in the draft, it’s hard to imagine that he will be available come the very last pick in the first round. If the Patriots wanted him, they would likely have to move up the board to draft him. But this is all barring that Gronkowski announces his retirement, which is far from guaranteed at this point.
