With Rob Gronkowski recovering from a torn ACL, an argument can be made that finding a game-ready tight end is one of the Patriots top needs heading into May's NFL Draft.
Possibly with that in mind, New England is reportedly hosting a pre-draft visit on Wednesday with Iowa tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz. He's a 6-6, 265-pound prospect who among his other impressive traits ran the fastest three-cone drill among the tight ends at February's Combine.
Bill Belichick has obvious ties to the Iowa program. Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz was a Belichick assistant in the early 1990s with the Browns. Ferentz' son, Brian, coached the tight ends in New England as a Patriots assistant in 2011, and spent last season as Iowa's offensive line coach. In that role he likely worked quite closely with the big tight end who has soft hands and a well-rounded skill set as both a blocker and pass catcher.
According to NFLDraftScout.com, Fiedorowicz is a potential third- or fourth-round prospect after catching 30 passes including six touchdowns last season.
Looking for Draft video? Check out highlight videos of all the top college prospects entering the 2014 NFL Draft.
OFFENSE: Quarterback | Running Back | Tight End | Wide Receiver | Offensive Line
DEFENSE: Defensive Back | Defensive Line | Linebacker
SPECIALISTS: Kickers/Punters/Returners
