With their first pick on day three of the NFL Draft (113th overall), the New England Patriots selected Florida Gators tight end Aaron Hernandez.
Hernandez is an NFL ready pass catching tight end. The 2009 Mackey Award winner led the nation in receptions in 2009 with 68 catches. He has game breaking abilities with the ball in his hands, and if you put the ball near his hands he’ll catch it.
He’s not a complete tight end like second round pick Rob Gronkowski, but his size and speed makes him a match-up nightmare for opposing defenses.
Hernandez’ role in the Florida offense increased dramatically when Percy Harvin left for the NFL, and he responded with a record breaking season and a first team, all SEC selection.
In the NFL, his lack of bulk (6-foot-3, 245 pounds) may result in him moving to more of an H-back role. He’s at his best when he’s split wide, something Florida did with him quite a bit. He’s not a great blocker due to his size, but puts in the effort and can get the job done on occasion.
The best part about Hernandez is his game speed. Linebackers simply can’t keep up with him, he’s too fast. He runs with so much power that safeties and cornerbacks can’t bring him down.
He’ll remind people of Colts tight end Dallas Clark.
This is yet another great pick in what is quickly becoming my favorite draft in recent memory.
Interesting how the best NFL franchise of the last decade is drafting just about every quality player available in this draft from the best college program of the last decade.
I wholeheartedly approve of this approach, by the way.
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