The New England Patriots are still making their way through the free agent pool before setting their focus on the NFL Draft. After already making moves to re-sign Julian Edelman while bringing in Brandon LaFell and Darrelle Revis, the Patriots have their eyes on a few more targets before putting their draft plan into motion. Seeking another target for quarterback Tom Brady, tight end Dustin Keller could be their new favorite option.
Keller had his 2013 season cut short after suffering a gruesome knee injury last preseason with the Miami Dolphins. As a result, several teams have been very cautious in their interest level with the tight end. Keller is an interesting free agent in many ways. When healthy, he is productive. Keller put up 815 yards in 2011 with the New York Jets, but has suffered injuries in back-to-back seasons which does not bode well for his future. According to Keller's agent he should be healthy come the start of the 2014 season, which may or may not be true.
One team appears confident that Keller can still be a productive offensive target. According to CSN New England, the Patriots are interested in Keller, but will not start up negotiations until after the NFL Draft. The Patriots have been looking bolster options for the middle of the field. Aaron Hernandez used to cover that area, but he is no longer with the Patriots nor will he be returning. With Rob Gronkowski injured more times than not, Keller becomes a target.
The Patriots have also taken a look at Jermichael Finley for that role, but he is in the same boat as Keller. The tight end also suffered a terrible injury that has hurt interest around him in the free agent market. Finley is hoping upcoming medical tests help his stock more in free agency. Keller and Finley could be in a race to prove who will be healthy first. Whichever tight end checks out better after the draft could be the one signed by the Patriots.
Until then, the team will continue to look around at other receiving options for the draft. The team has worked out several wide receivers including Kelvin Benjamin and Marqise Lee. In need of multiple receiving options, the Patriots could easily draft a rookie in the first or second round and then sign a tight end to round out their offense.
