Getty Devin Asiasi is tabbed by the New England Patriots
Have the New England Patriots found their replacement for Rob Gronkowski? Perhaps.
On Friday night in the third round, the Patriots selected UCLA tight end Devin Asiasi with the 91st pick in the draft. Few tight ends in the draft possess Asiasi’s athleticism.
Take a look at his Scouting Combine numbers and some highlights from his years at UCLA.
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Devin Asiasi’s Scouting Combine Numbers
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 257 pounds
- Arms: 33 1/4″
- Hands: 9 3/4″
- 40-Time: 4.73
- Bench Press: 16 reps
Devin Asiasi’s UCLA Highlights
Asiasi Draws Favorable Comparison
Here’s what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had to say about Asiasi along with a comparison to former Atlanta Falcons great Alge Crumpler who made four Pro Bowls.
Asiasi had just eight career catches heading into the 2019 season, but his ’19 tape should be Exhibit A in assigning his draft grade. He needs to work on eliminating bad weight and improving his technique as an in-line blocker, but his athleticism and speed really stand out in space. He’s a threat in the seam and with deep corners and over routes in a play-action based attack. Once he learns to attack throws and body defenders with his frame, he will offer value as a possession target on third downs. Asiasi’s areas of improvement are attainable and he projects as a play-making Y with future TE1 potential.
The Patriots are obviously focusing on the tight end position as Asiasi was the first of two tight ends selected in the third round by the team.
Devin Asiasi’s College Career Began in the Big Ten
During his college career it seemed Asiasi was destined to appear in the Rose Bowl, one way or the other. Before coming to UCLA, Asiasi began his college football journey in Ann Arbor, Michigan with the Wolverines program.
He only spent his freshman season there before transferring to UCLA. Asiasi had just two receptions and 16 receiving yards as a freshman. When he left Ann Arbor, Asiasi left the Wolverines with the blessing of head coach Jim Harbaugh.
“He leaves in great status,” Harbaugh said. “He was doing great in school, doing great in football, really popular and well-liked by his teammates.”
What are the Chances Asiasi Starts as a Rookie?
Perhaps more than any player the Patriots draft in this year’s event, Asiasi has the best shot at starting from Day 1. When you consider the Patriots only had Matt LeCosse and Ryan Izzo at tight end before Friday night saw them select Asiasi and Dalton Keene in the third round, you know the team was thin at the position.
As of right now, Asiasi is listed as TE1 on ESPN.com. That’s obviously not official, but it’s a good sign. In case you’re wondering, the last time the Patriots drafted two tight ends in the same draft was 2010 when they picked up Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.