2019 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Garrett Bradbury intriguing option for Los Angeles Rams

32. New England Patriots: Iowa Tight End Noah Fant

That’s right, even the defending champions can use a few areas in need of improvement since the New England Patriots have a few questions in need of answering this offseason, with one of the biggest being what the future holds for Rob Gronkowski.

Recent reports indicate that Gronkowski could suit up again for the Patriots during the 2019 season, and while this would obviously be great news since he’s one of the best for a reason, New England still knows the tight end won’t be around much longer.

The fact that Gronkowski’s name has been thrown around in retirement rumors before shows the Patriots need to be prepared for when the time does come, whether it happens to be this year or the next.

If New England decides to go with a tight end right away in this year’s draft, there’s a good chance that Noah Fant ends up being one of potential replacements they target, and rightfully so after looking at his career with Iowa.

Then again, the Patriots could be in a difficult situation if other teams end up targeting him as well earlier in the first round, meaning a potential trade may have to take place. But for now, let’s say Fant does in fact fall to the final pick of the first round, and New England has their next project to work with as Gronkowski’s eventual replacement.