Thoughts on TE Dustin Keller’s visit to New England

On Wednesday, the Patriots met with Ex-Jet TE Dustin Keller, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. Keller passed the team’s physical, but left without a deal. Here are a few of my thoughts on Dustin Keller and a possible signing that could be in the works.

Pats need depth at TE

Due to Rob Gronkowski’s persistent injuries issues and everything that went on (and is still going on) with Aaron Hernandez, the Patriots need depth at the tight end position. Behind Gronk, New England currently has Michael Hoomanawanui and D.J. Williams. Hoo-man had 12 receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown in 2013, while Williams was signed mid season and recorded no receptions and no yards. The Patriots need to add depth at this position and look for them to address this in the draft, even if they do sign Keller.

Keller is no Gronk, but when healthy can hold his own

Dustin Keller has never been and elite pass catcher, never been the big run blocking tight end who pancakes defenders. However, Keller has posted consistent numbers through the years. He hasn’t had a 1,000 yard season in his career but had a 815 yards and five touchdown season in 2011. Keller gives the Pats someone to rely on if Gronk misses some games at the beginning, or if Gronk continues the trend of late in year re-injuries.

Belicheck loves to grab former Jets

In recent memory, Patriots HC Bill Belicheck has grabbed a few former New York Jets. Back in the summer of 2013, the Patriots signed not so little known former Jet ‘QB’ Tim Tebow and ex-Jet shut down corner Darrelle Revis was signed to a deal in the free agency of 2014. Belicheck and New York Jets HC Rex Ryan make it no secret of the dislike for one another, and Belicheck could look to rub salt in the wounds of the New York Jets.

Taking Keller away from the enemy

The last thing New England wants to do is give their enemies the tools to beat them with. QB Ryan Tannehill and the 2013 Miami Dolphins were 1-1 against the New England Patriots WITHOUT Dustin Keller. Tannehill and the 2013 Miami Dolphins put up 679 yards against the New England Patriots WITHOUT Dustin Keller. Belicheck knows that a healthy Dustin Keller in Miami could end New England’s AFC East run.