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It looks like the Mike Gesicki hype train may need another car.
While the New York Times unfortunately disbanded its sports department this week, its digital site The Athletic is still up and running - and recently published their “break out candidates” for all 32 NFL teams heading into training camp.
Chad Graff was in charge of the Patriots, naming tight end Mike Gesicki as their nominee:
“The Patriots added the tall tight end via free agency with hopes that Gesicki will become a matchup nightmare for opponents. Based on spring practices, Bill O’Brien’s offense will lean on two-tight end sets and often place Gesicki in the slot. That should present plenty of targets for Gesicki, who developed a nice chemistry with quarterback Mac Jones during the spring drills. After a disappointing 2022 season (32 catches for 362 yards with the Dolphins), Gesicki looks primed for a breakout year that could see him double his numbers from a year ago.”
Nick "Fitzy" Stevens and Andy Hart hit on this nod to Gesicki in Wednesday morning's episode of WEEI's "Breaking Boston" podcast. Take a listen:
Breaking boston: Will Gesicki break out?
We also touched on Gesicki earlier this week in our WEEI.com Patriots Depth Projection series, where I named the former Dolphin as the one that we’re “sleeping on” in the room, opening the section with this:
“As much hype as there’s been around Gesicki landing in New England, I still don’t think we’ve fully come to realize just how dominant he can be for the Patriots offense this season.”
I was wrong.
As it turns out, what Bill O’Brien will be able to accomplish with Gesicki is quickly becoming the NFL’s worst-kept secret. After all (and as I’ve mentioned what feels like 100 times over the last week), the last time O’Brien was in command of New England’s offense, they unleashed the greatest 1-2 punch at tight end of all-time in Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.
Gesicki’s best NFL season came in 2021 when he hauled in 73 catches for 780 yards in the Dolphins' offense. He has 18 career touchdown receptions (and several griddying celebrations) and his 6-foot-6 250-pound frame allows him a massive catch radius - something that was on full display during the Patriots' offseason program.
As I'm sure you're all well aware at this point, Bill O’Brien actually recruited Gesicki to play tight end at Penn State before leaving to become the head coach of the Houston Texans.
Needless to say, the two have unfinished business to take care of, and quarterback Mac Jones looks to be the beneficiary.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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