Noah Fant opened some eyes Saturday morning - including Bill Belichick, who was watching with other coaches - by running a 40-yard dash in 4.51 at the NFL scouting combine.
That's faster than some running backs. And Fant is a 6-4, 249-pound tight end from Iowa.
Fant continued his impressive day in the other drills.
Fant, who along with fellow Iowa tight end TJ Hockenson (who ran a 4.71) are projected first-round picks, was one of the top tight ends at the combine who met or were to meet with the Patriots, who have the final first-rounder in this year's draft at No. 32.
The Patriots, of course, have some uncertainty at the position, with Rob Gronkowski mulling retirement and No. 2 TE Dwayne Allen reportedly released on Saturday.
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For more on the tight end draft prospects and possible fits with the Patriots, click here for Phil Perry's analysis.
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