Patriots drafts Devin Asiasi with No. 91 pick

The New England Patriots selected UCLA’s Devin Asiasi with the No. 91 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. They were in need out a tight end after getting limited production from the position in 2019. They traded away Rob Gronkowski to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so it’s time for them to find a new playmaker. Can Asiasi provide a spark?

Asiasi was a non-factor in his first two seasons with the Bruins. But he made a name for himself in 2019 by recording 44 receptions for 641 yards and four scores. He ranked second on his team in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

Scouting Report

Asiasi can be a weapon on all three levels. He can effectively work the seams of opposing defenses and can continue to gain yards after the catch. While he can make plays, he can struggle to make catches when he’s not wide open. He needs to work on fighting through contact to come down with the ball moving forward.

Fantasy football impact

Rookie

Four Patriots tight ends made at least one reception last year, and New England has two on its roster ahead of the 2019 season. Asiasi’s was only been an impact player for one season in college, so it’s unlikely that he’ll be trusted to carry a heavy workload on offense. He could end up as New England’s TE2 or TE3.

Long-term

Asiasi doesn’t profile as a player with star potential. He has to get more polished in a few areas before we can project his upside. For now, he’s a young player that can raise his ceiling with more experience.