Patriots Trade For Tight End Michael Roberts
While everyone was paying attention to the Bruins last night, the Patriots were busy trying to improve their tight end situation. The Patriots went out and traded for tight end Michael Roberts for a late round pick in 2020.
Lions are trading tight end Michael Roberts to the Patriots for a late-round draft pick, as @Justin_Rogers reported.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 13, 2019
Roberts adds to a tight end position that has a big hole to fill due to the retirement of Rob Gronkowski. But, there are a few other reasons why this trade is beneficial to the Patriots.
He Is A Good Blocking Tight End
Roberts, 25, is a solid blocking tight end. He played in eight games last year, catching nine passes for 100 yards and three touchdowns.
The Patriots showed interest in Roberts during the 2017 predraft process. The Lions drafted him in the fourth round.
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) June 13, 2019
A blocking tight end is huge to the Patriots success. Yes, Gronk caught a ton of passes while with the Patriots. But, he was also a very good blocker, which people seem to forget. With the addition of Roberts, you can have a two tight end system of himself and Ben Watson (once he is off of his 4 game PED suspension) that can be scary to watch this season.
The Patriots Were Interested In Roberts Before
Like the Daniels tweet indicates, the Patriots had an interest in Roberts in the 2017 draft. When the Patriots have an interest in someone, they find a way to get them at one point or another. There is obviously something special that Bill Belichick sees in Roberts. So as always, in Bill we trust!
In Conclusion
I like the move. It’s a move that seemed necessary, especially with Watson being suspended to start the 2019 season. This is another piece to the puzzle. Hopefully, he will even exceed our expectations. Welcome to New England, Michael Roberts!
-Alan Nahigian (@BigAl2793)