Double-dip: Patriots draft second straight tight end with Virginia Tech’s Dalton Keene
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Patriots didn’t just draft a tight end. They double-dipped.
With the 101st pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Patriots selected tight end Dalton Keene out of Virginia Tech. They moved up to pick 101 in a trade with none other than their AFC East rival Jets.
Keene marks the Patriots’ second pick in a row used on a tight end. The Pats also traded up to take Devin Asiasi out of UCLA when they moved up to pick No. 91.
Lance Zierlein at NFL.com describes Keene as a “Swiss Army Knife” with his versatility. The 6-foot-4, 253-pound Keene lacks the prototypical size and strength for an every-down tight end. But he makes up for it with the ability to contribute as both a pass-catcher and blocker and line up at a variety of spots, including fullback and H-back in addition to tight end.
Belichick has prioritized versatility in the 2020 draft class, which isn’t a surprise. But Keene is the latest example. The hope is that they can find ways to make him an early contributor as a pass-catcher at tight end, along with Asiasi in the mix.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
