New England Patriots

4-13-0,#30 Overall 4-13-0, 4th in AFC East , 16th in AFC Playoff Odds: 0.0%  |  Super Bowl Odds: 0.0%
2023-24 Season
4-13-0 Record
#31 ‐ #6 Off-Def
#31 Offense
#6 Defense
#30 Overall

Patriots put Dalton Keene to paper

The New England Patriots signed third-round rookie tight end Dalton Keene to a 4-year contract.

What It Means:

The Patriots traded up 24 spots to select Keene. He only averaged 1.9 targets per game at Virginia Tech and never had more than 28 catches in a season while primarily serving as a blocker. Keene did display some athleticism when given the opportunity, however, as he led all FBS tight ends with 8.4 yards after the catch per reception last season. He will likely compete with Matt LaCosee and Ryan Izzo for snaps behind fellow third-rounder Devin Asiasi.

Keene never earned a receiving grade above 64.0 from Pro Football Focus during any season in college. He didn't really make up for it as a blocker, with 2019 grades of just 63.4 as a pass-blocker and 62.3 as a run-blocker.