Mike Lockhart’s NFL Draft Targets: Tight Ends
Mike Lockhart here. After going 4-13 this past season, the Patriots need to re-tool, especially on offense. Tight end will need a boost of youth and talent. New England shouldn’t take a tight end in the first round. Brock Bowers is the only tight end who will go in the first round. He will most likely go top ten. Bowers had an excellent career at Georgia and should be a top receiving tight end in the league. In 40 games, he racked up 2,538 yards and 26 touchdowns. Over the years, many of the top tight ends in the league have been selected outside of the first round. Sam Laporta was a second-round pick a year ago. George Kittle went in the fifth. Travis Kelce was a third-round selection. The list goes on. This isn’t the deepest tight end draft, but there could be a few players who are able to carve out roles in the league.
Ja’Tavion Sanders, University of Texas
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 2: Tght end Ja’Tavion Sanders #0 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after a touchdown against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the first half of the Big 12 Championship at AT&T Stadium on December 2, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Sanders is a young draft prospect at only 20 years old. He’s got good size at 6’4” and 243 lbs. He caught 99 balls in two seasons at Texas for 1,295 yards. Ja’Tavion should end up going off the boards in the second round to a team looking for a pass catcher. This past year, he had good games against Alabama, Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship, and Washington in the Sugar Bowl. Sanders is a downfield threat and can find a lot of success in the right offense.
Theo Johnson, Penn State
STATE COLLEGE, PA – NOVEMBER 26: Theo Johnson #84 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after scoring his second touchdown of the game against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at Beaver Stadium on November 26, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Johnson is a large prospect at 6’6” and 256 lbs. Seven of his thirty-four receptions this season were touchdowns. He’s more of a traditional tight end who can block as well as catch. He can move all around the offense to create mismatches. He won’t beat teams long much, but he can move the chains and create first downs. He should come off the boards on day two, and I believe it will end up being in the second round.
Ben Sinnott, Kansas State
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 16: Tight end Ben Sinnott #34 of the Kansas State Wildcats catches a touchdown pass against defensive back Jaylon Carlies #1 and Joseph Charleston #28 of the Missouri Tigers the second half at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
Sinnott is a little smaller than your traditional tight end, standing at 6’4” and in the lower 240 lb range. He led Kansas State in receiving yards and touchdowns this past season. Sinnott can line up in many areas of an offense. A creative coordinator could have fun with Sinnott, lining him up in the slot, in-line, or in the backfield. Sinnott looks like a day 3 prospect.
Erick All, University of Iowa
IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 7: Tight end Erick All #83 of the Iowa Hawkeyes scores a touchdown during the second half against defensive back Markevious Brown #1of the Purdue Boilermakers at Kinnick Stadium on October 7, 2023 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
Iowa has produced a lot of tight ends in the past few years. Erick All will be a day 3 pick. Injuries have plagued him throughout his years as a Hawkeye. Before a 2023 October season-ending ACL injury, All recorded 21 receptions for 299 yards and 3 touchdowns. The year before, All had back surgery. He has good size at 6’5” and 250 lbs. Erick All is a very good blocker, and if he’s able to stay healthy, he could be a late-round steal.
14 Delicious Summer Favorites To Feast On At Sullivan's Castle Island
Clam Chowder
Gabby Dumais says “The clam chowder is a must.” According to the Sullivan’s menu:
A New England cream based classic served by the cup or bowl with our oyster crackersCup $5.95
Bowl $8.95
Lobster Roll
Brandy Michelle says “Their lobster roll is so good.” It’s a mayo lobster roll, not a warm one. A New England favorite! According to their menu:
Sweet Lobster meat lightly dressed with mayo on a toasted Hot Dog roll
Cheeseburger
Diann Ritchie says “Cheeseburger it’s nice and juicy!” The amazing thing about Sullivan’s food is, the price! Check out the cost of the burgers:
Our fresh Angus Beef patty grilled topped with American cheese served on a toasted burger bun
Hot Dog
An overwhelming favorite. Hot dogs were mentioned more than any other menu option. Alyssa Dineen says: “I do not normally eat hot dogs ever but a trip to castle island you have to get a hot dog or two or three and some fries! It’s the best part!”
Crinkle Cut Fries
People love the crinkle cut. They feel it makes these fries very unique. It was suggested to put vinegar on them as well. Rosamaria Alicea says “You have to have the fries w/salt and vinegar or without either way those fries are delicious. “
Onion Rings
Onion rings are one of the most popular sides at Sullivan’s. They are hand cut and super crispy.
Our signature hand battered fresh onion rings cooked to a perfect crisp
Clam Strips
Many of you suggested the clam strips. Debbie Sweihorn says “Fried clams…they use to be big bellies and so delicious.”
New England fried clam strips battered and fried to a golden crispRegular $14.50
Large $24.00
Fried Fish Sandwich
This was mentioned several times. Rosamaria Alicea loves it with ice cream. It’s hand battered and fried haddock.
Hand battered fried Haddock on a toasted burger bun
Shakes
Any of their shakes are a must try. They are super thick and delicious.Hand crafted with your favorite flavor Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Coffee
Soft Serve Ice Cream
Many say you can’t visit Sullivan’s without trying their soft serve. They use wafer cones and have vanilla, chocolate or strawberry twist
Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry Twist on a wafer cone with a cup
Cheese Fries
Their signature crinkle cut fries everyone loves topped with ortega cheese sauce. Many suggested these as a must try as well.
Our signature crinkle cut fries topped with our Ortega cheese sauce
Raspberry Lime Rickey
A lime rickey is a New England favorite and was mentioned a few times in our poll.
Classic New England beverage, prepared to order, garnished with freshly squeezed limes
Hot Fudge Sundae
The hot fudge sundae is a staple at Sullivan’s and was mentioned quite a few times in our poll. Katie Garney loves it with a burger and fries.
Vanilla soft serve ice cream topped with hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry
Double Cheeseburger
Two patties of what makes their single burgers so amazing. A Sullivan’s staple. Try it with their soft serve and some crinkle fries.
Two of our fresh Angus Beef patties topped with American cheese and served on a toasted burger bun
