The New England Patriots are preparing for life after Rob Gronkowski.

Longtime NFL reporter Alex Marvez reported that the Patriots will host Iowa tight end Noah Fant in a pre-draft visit. Marvez reported that New England’s visit with Fant will occur after he visits the San Francisco 49ers.

New England’s interest in Fant is no surprise. Of course, the Patriots have a big need at tight end. The superstar Gronkowski retired last month. The Patriots signed veteran Austin Seferian-Jenkins this week. Still, they need more help.

Fant is considered one of the best tight ends available in the April 25-27 draft. It is considered a strong tight-end class in the draft.

Fant is currently expected to be the second tight end taken. Ironically, the top tight-end prospect is Fant’s Iowa teammate T.J. Hockenson.

The defending Super Bowl champion Patriots may have trouble drafting Fant at No, 32. He could go in the first 20 picks.

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New England, however, does have the draft ammo to move up for Fant if it chooses. The Patriots have six picks in the first three rounds with one in the first round, two in the second round and three picks in the third round.

As for as the 49ers’ visit with Fant, that’s a curious move. The 49ers, of course, have young star George Kittle at tight end. Like Fant and Hockenson, Kittle played at Iowa.