New England Patriots In Need Of A Second-Year Spike From Tight End Jonnu Smith

No tight ends around the NFL carry larger 2022 cap hits than the tandem atop the New England Patriots’ depth chart.

Hunter Henry met the production expectations that arrived along with his three-year, $37.5 million contract last season. The same did not hold true for Jonnu Smith, whose four-year, $50 million contract was signed the afternoon prior in free agency.

While the former Los Angeles Charger scored a career-high nine touchdowns, the former Tennessee Titan took a backseat one campaign after scoring a career-high nine of his own.

Smith finished 2021 with 28 receptions for 294 yards on 45 targets. He made 11 starts through 16 appearances.

The opener against the Miami Dolphins marked the lone game in which Smith caught a handful of passes from rookie quarterback Mac Jones. His lone touchdown came out of play action down at the goal line in October against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And from December into January, a total of 46 scrimmage yards were logged.

The effort to put Smith’s hybrid athleticism into open space included nine carries. But inline blocking would be the primary involvement for player whose contract brought $31.25 million fully guaranteed.

According to Pro Football Focus, Smith blocked on 67% of his offensive snaps during his inaugural year with the Patriots. The Florida International product led all qualifying tight ends around the league with an average 8.5 yards after the catch per reception. He did so, however, while having an average target depth of just 5.6 yards down the field.

As for Henry, the All-American and John Mackey Award winner out of Arkansas blocked on 43% of his offensive snaps. He averaged an even three yards after the catch per reception. Yet there was trust established both in the red zone and in the intermediate. His average target depth stood 10.6 yards downfield.

Finding ways to get one investment on the field with the other remains a process.

Two-tight end sets were a rare sight in the final year of Josh McDaniels’ tenure as offensive coordinator. That was the result even after no NFL team featured the personnel grouping less frequently than New England in 2020, when no team had fewer passes caught by tight ends.

Ahead is the chance for Smith to close the gap in a passing game now bolstered by wide receivers. Familiarity will play a part. The sixth-year pro was a full participant in voluntary offseason workouts after spending last spring’s program at home following the birth of his daughter. The same went for mandatory minicamp after a hamstring injury kept him limited in 2021.

Smith noted the difference that the ramp-up period had made.

“Just for me, in my opinion, man, I just think it’s such a great team-bonding element to it,” Smith told reporters during organized team activities in May. “Just being here, being around the guys, building that chemistry. To me, that’s what it’s about. I think if we can improve that, everything else on the field will take care of itself. For me, I’m just a big believer. I’m seeing it come to fruition. … I definitely missed some quality time here, man, and I recognize how valuable that time is. I’m just here to take advantage of that.”

Selected No. 100 overall in the 2017 NFL draft, Smith started 53 games while a member of the Titans. Through the air, 114 catches became 1,302 yards and 16 touchdowns. On the ground, six carries became 82 yards and an additional visit to the end zone.

It will soon be time to further incorporate those ingredients.

Smith will turn 27 years old amid the preseason in August. He will do so alongside Henry, also 27, at a position that is rounded out by 2019 draft picks Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene and veteran Matt Sokol.