As a blocker, Evans is a factor at 6-foot-5, 258 pounds. He'd come right in and be the Patriots' best blocking tight end immediately, giving him a role in the short term while he develops as a receiver to take on a bigger role down the road if all goes well.

The New England Patriots are widely viewed as being locked in on one specific player ahead of the NFL Draft, and that might be exactly what they want other teams to think.

Scharger reports that teams inquiring about the top three picks have been asking about Hunter, Carter and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.