The New England Patriots have addressed their need at tight end. After agreeing to a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders, the Pats have traded up in the third round to grab UCLA TE Devin Asiasi with the 91st overall pick.
Per ESPN's Field Yates, the Raiders traded picks No. 91 and 159 to New England in exchange for picks No. 100, No. 139 and No. 172.
Raiders trade: Pick 91, Pick 159.
Patriots trade: Pick 100, 139, 172.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 25, 2020
The New England Patriots trade up to select TE Devin Asiasi at No. 91
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) April 25, 2020
Listed at 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds with 4.73 forty-yard dash speed, Devin Asiasi was the breakout star for the Bruins in 2019. Despite being a top 50 prospect coming out of high school, Asiasi struggled early while playing one season at Michigan before eventually transferring to UCLA.
Going into his junior year, the former four-star recruit had managed to grab just eight total catches. However, Asiasi was heavily involved in the Bruins' offense this past season and put up 44 catches for 641 yards and four touchdowns.
Seen as one of the best tight ends in the 2020 draft class, the new Patriots TE has wowed scouts with his route running and soft hands.
Asiasi also lands in a perfect spot on a New England team that has desperately needed help at the tight end position since the retirement (and eventual trade) of Rob Gronkowski.
Last season, the Patriots started four different tight ends — none of whom were very effective. Veteran Ben Watson led all New England tight ends with a mere 17 catches for 173 yards and all four players combined to record a total of 419 yards and two touchdowns.
Ten picks later, New England would double up on tight ends and draft Virginia Tech product Dalton Keene.
As for the Raiders, the team would select Clemson safety Tanner Muse with the third-round pick they received from the Patriots in the trade.
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