I don’t know about you lovely lot but this years draft buildup feels a little different than usual. I guess potentially drafting at three and desperately seeking a quarterback can do that to ya.
So, whilst there is a huge flux, a back and forth of QB at three or trade back and stack, there is a general consensus that the Patriots could do with some tight end talent to develop.
The contract negotiations, and retaining of Hunter Henry was a welcome spot of news to open up free agency, and not just for this particular tight end fan, of that I’m sure.
Henry provides an element of stability, as well as maturity and top 20 tight end talent (according to PFF). With an offence that is in sever flux, bringing back the most successful tight end to grace the Patriots probably since Rob Gronkowski left, Henry did seem like a no-brainer.
Predominately an inline and in the slot guy, Hunter knows his role and has even developed his blocking skill set too. He proved to be a decent security blanket for Mac Jones, with 9 touchdowns in 2021, Hunter potentially can be “the guy” for the next passer of the Patriots.
The signing of previously of the Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans and Las Vegas Raiders, the tight end Austin Hooper whilst not flashy, wasn’t too much of a surprise either. The Patriots are lacking in depth and bringing Hooper in is a solid move of security.
Whilst a very similar skill set, and size to Hunter Henry, Hooper is a functioning stalemate blocker rather than a people mover and a prototypical in line option, and so even though this feels like a duplication of the Hunter Henry experience, it provides depth and stability in the case of any injury and the ability to run those 22 and 12 personnel sets that have us oh so tingly (okay that might just be me…).
Spending 72% of his snaps in Cleveland with Alex Van Pelt with his hand in the dirt, Hooper does occasionally flex into the slot and so gives AVP two solid, stable and reliable tight ends that he has familiarity with.
So thats what the Patriots have… fancy a little look at what they could get, when it comes to tight endage?
With the sever needs the Patriots have at quarterback, wide receiver and the offensive line still, the tight end position is more than likely, if addressed, going to be in the later rounds, 4th and 5th most probably.
To that end, the likes of Georgia superstar Brock Bowers and Ja’Tavion Sanders of Texas are too rich and we should just glance longingly and move it right along, and have a look at a small sample of more feasible tight endage for the NEP.
Cade Stover of Ohio State may still be a little bit rich, currently a projected fourth rounder, but this versatile athlete caught my “sharp eye”. He switched between line backer and tight end as a Buckeye and he is a great blocker, something the Patriots could really do with.
A well rounded player with natural athletic ability that showed in the combine. A great job in the sledge pushing exercise and light on his feet, Stover has been top of my tight end wish list since 2023.
Ben Sinnott of Kansas State measured in at 6’4 with quick feet and the ability to speedily change direction. Unfortunately, whilst willing he isn’t the strongest of blockers and we know thats something needed for the Patriots.
Theo Johnson, a mammoth of a man at 6’6 and 264lbs, runs like he is annoyed at the ground (just my unabridged opinion of his 40 run) and had a good sledge exercise performance at the combine. With his size and arm length Johnson is a versatile blocker but his lack of direction change limits his route tree. He is a man built for in line play.
Dallin Holker of Colorado State made a little bit of a slash at the combine with his gauntlet run performance, catching a ball on the move whilst still holding a ball. 6’3 and 235 pounds, Holker has good hands and tracks the ball well. A natural mover he is a little on the smaller side and whilst a sound blocker, he isn’t imposing.
Tip Reiman of Illinois definitely showed up in my notes many times. A late round projection, maybe in the 6th, this tight end had a really good combine performance. At 6’5 and 271 pounds he is a beefy looking guy with a strong lower half. Said to be a mauler in the run game Reiman had a stellar sledge exercise performance, keeping a flat back and great foot work with a smooth gauntlet run and nice hands. A very tight end looking tight end in my book.
On my list since I saw him play last season, Jared Wiley is one of the tallest tight ends to measure in at 6’ 6 1/8 with long arms. A predominantly in line tight end that plays with speed, is willing to get physical with good catch talent. His foot work tends to be rather average and is projected more as a special teamer but there is definitely something to work with, especially with the added positive of his size.
So there you have it, a smorgasbord of tight endage for you. Now, there are plenty of other potential positive prospects at the position, but we do only have so many hours in the day to peruse the subject of tight ends! Do not fear, if the Patriots take a tight end in the draft we shall be bringing you a nice selection of information on that player so just keep those eyes on Pats Propaganda!
