The New England Patriots are facing an intriguing offseason challenge with their tight end position. In 2025, Hunter Henry stood out as a reliable force, yet his playoff performance left fans wanting more.
Austin Hooper, primarily a blocking asset, didn’t make a significant impact in the passing game. Meanwhile, C.J.
Dippre, who caught some eyes while on the practice squad, has yet to fully justify his midseason promotion to the active roster. Alongside fullback Jack Westover and practice squad hopeful Marshall Lang, they formed the team's core at tight end last season.
Looking ahead, the Patriots find themselves at a crossroads. Henry, a proven starter and team captain, is under contract through 2026, but at 32, questions about longevity arise.
Hooper is entering free agency, and neither Dippre nor Lang have shown they can be the next go-to option. This uncertainty makes tight end a priority in the offseason.
Head Coach Mike Vrabel, speaking at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, hinted at the draft being a potential solution. “There’s volume at the tight end class,” Vrabel noted, emphasizing the depth rather than just top-tier talent. He pointed out that many successful tight ends start as mid-round picks, underscoring the value in finding the right fit.
Vrabel, who dabbled as a tight end during his playing days, has a unique perspective on evaluating the position. With Henry’s age and the current lack of depth, it’s clear the team is eyeing developmental talent to bolster their ranks.
The draft offers a range of possibilities. Early-round prospects like Kenyon Sadiq from Oregon, Eli Stowers of Vanderbilt, and Ohio State’s Max Klare present attractive options. For later rounds, names like Nate Boerkircher (Texas A&M), John Michael Gyllenborg (Wyoming), and Dan Villari (Syracuse) have already been on the Patriots’ radar, aligning with Vrabel’s vision.
Eliot Wolf, the executive vice president of player personnel, echoed this sentiment during his Combine press conference. He highlighted the diverse skillsets that have thrived in Josh McDaniels’ offenses over the years.
Wolf emphasized the need to fine-tune their approach as they evaluate both draft prospects and free agents. With Henry, Westover, and Dippre in the mix, and Hooper’s future uncertain, the Patriots are poised to reshape their tight end room this offseason.