How to Approach the Patriots' Rookie Tight End Duo

Whether it was Nike the dog, Robert Kraft or Bill Belichick himself, the Patriots made the decision to move up in the late-third round of the NFL draft to select Devin Asiasi with overall pick No. 91. They also grabbed another tight end, Dalton Keene, just 10 picks later which is somewhat intriguing, yet also very Belichick.

Asiasi projects as the sounder, more NFL ready tight end of the two, but Keene possesses qualities worthy of a career in the league, as well. Neither one of these two should be in much consideration for fantasy leagues outside of dynasty formats in 2020 though, and here’s why.

Asiasi's and Keene's College Careers

Devin Asiasi flashed in his senior year at UCLA with a sizable target share leading to 44 receptions for 641 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games. His 14.6 career yards per reception is impressive and a decent indicator of his capabilities.

At 279 lbs, up 17 pounds from his college weight, Asiasi ran a very respectable 4.73 40-yard dash at the combine, showcasing the blend of size and speed essential for success at the next level.

Dalton Keene was a linebacker, then a full back and is now a tight end. He saw a measly 1.9 targets per contest at the collegiate level, but he is durable, playing in 38 consecutive games at Virginia Tech.

Keene ended 2019 with 21 catches for 240 yards and five scores in 10 games, but according to SportsInfoSolutions, boasts an impressive 9.7 yards after the catch per reception, which somewhat defies his label as more of a blocking tight end entering the NFL.

There’s a Tight End History in New England

Belichick isn’t the easiest to figure out, but one thing that has been evident throughout his time with the Patriots is that he loves a player with versatility, especially in the tight end room. Over the last decade, we’ve seen Aaron Hernandez, Martellus Bennett and of course Rob Gronkowski carve out meaty roles in the Patriots offense that weren’t the most conventional. And it worked for them not only in real football (see three Super Bowl rings since 2015 and six overall), but for fantasy purposes as well.

Last season was the first since 2010 without a Patriots tight end finishing as a starter in total fantasy points. From 2010-2012, they even had two at the position conclude the season as TE1s.

The Future Looks Pretty Bright

New England has thrived as a team when they have two big tight ends to play with and it appears that they are looking to recreate that system moving forward. These rookies complement each other skill-wise which is something that could pay off in the years ahead.

Asiasi is an excellent pass threat and brings the speed and athleticism the tight end depth chart was missing after Gronkowski’s departure. He’s a work in progress as a blocker, but experience and leadership can take care of that.

When it comes to Keene, the former Hokie brings the ability to impact the game in multiple ways which is Belichick’s bread and butter. Keene lined up all over the field in college, whether it was split out wide or on the line of scrimmage as a traditional tight end, or in the backfield as a full or h-back.

It’s a tough ask for 2020 to have either of these guys make an immediate impact in the fantasy football world. Rookie tight ends rarely find initial success in the NFL and this season they both have many cards stacked against them. We’re looking at a shortened offseason due to Covid-19 and a changing of the guard at quarterback in New England for the first time since 2001. Side note—Asiasi was just six years old and Keene only eight when Brady took the helm as signal-caller in New England, which isn’t really relevant, but I found it a bit staggering.

It’s not impossible for either of these two rookie tight ends to make a fantasy impact this season because of the man in charge and the system he has built over the past 20 seasons in New England, but the odds are not in their favor for immediate success.

Bottom Line

• After a one-year lull at the position, the Patriots drafted two talented tight ends to build on.
• In redraft leagues, neither Devin Asiasi nor Dalton Keene should be drafted, but keep an eye on them for streaming purposes as the season plays out. They are ranked TE49 and TE73, respectively in 4for4’s early rankings.
• When it comes to best ball formats, Asiasi could be worth a last-round stab in larger leagues as he’s the more NFL ready of the two.
• In rookie dynasty drafts, 4for4 has Devin Asiasi as a late-third rounder.