2017 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting What Could Happen in the First Round
32. Patriots: David Njoku, Tight End
Top Needs: RB, WR, IOL, OLB
Who knows what the New England Patriots will do with their first-round pick? They are always an enigma, and may decide to not address a “need” at all. The receivers in Foxboro last year did post the 9th-lowest Reception NEP per target in the league, so we’ll give them a pass-catcher: Miami tight end David Njoku.
Njoku has a now-legendary NFL Combine measurement of an 82.5” wingspan, with massive 10” hands to boot. He is thin, but incredibly fast on tape, and loves to live in the seams of the defense. His breaks are crisp and clean, and he has the size and strength to win the catch point every time. Njoku has lined up all over the formation, adding to his versatility, but he is raw to the position and needs to polish his blocking. Drops may become a small concern.
Njoku averaged 11.2 yards after the catch in 2016, the most among tight ends by a yard, but had 7 drops on 71 catchable targets this year. He was a major red zone threat, though, with eight touchdowns on this year’s résumé.
