New England Patriots tight end Jonnu Smith was one of the team’s prized free agent acquisitions last March. After a rough 2021 season, he is being pegged as a major X-factor heading into 2022.
Smith caught 28 passes for 294 yards and a touchdown last season. Although he showed flashes of his playmaking ability throughout the season, he was never able to put it all together in the season’s entirety.
ESPN’s Ben Lindsey tabbed Smith as one player that could be a major piece for the Patriots next season. New England hopes to replicate the two tight end production that was a staple of the offense in the early part of the 2010s.
Smith’s emergence will be key for the Patriots offense, as they look to piece things together at the tight end position. With new faces in the wide receiver room, tight ends may be relied upon heavily.
With a new offense in place, and a more confident quarterback in Mac Jones, this could be a recipe for success for Smith. If Smith fails to have a good season, that will leave a gigantic gap at the tight end position.
