
Visanthe Shiancoe is the only free agent signing at tight end that is currently practicing in New England. (Photo: US Presswire)
NEPD Staff Writer: Matthew Jones
The New England Patriots spent two picks on tight ends in the 2010 NFL Draft: a second-round selection on Rob Gronkowski and a fourth-round choice on Aaron Hernandez.
The two combined for 87 catches, 1,109 receiving yards, and 16 touchdowns as rookies and both players substantially improved their production in 2011, ending up making 169 catches for 2,237 yards and 24 touchdowns.
New England’s offensive scheme last season was heavily focused on getting both Gronkowski and Hernandez the ball as much as possible, yet nonetheless New England enters the 2012 season having added a number of tight ends to the roster, most notably Daniel Fells, Jake Ballard and Visanthe Shiancoe.
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