Patriots Draft Preview: Behind Hunter Henry, Which TE Is Next?

The tight end position has always been a staple for the New England Patriots under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. 2026 will be a new-look group, as the position is set to undergo a face lift at the top of the depth chart.

Hunter Henry remains, but Austin Hooper left in free agency after two seasons as the TE2. To replace him, the Patriots went out and signed Julian Hill to a three-year deal. Hill's role in the NFL has been more as a blocking threat, and it opens the door for the Patriots to acquire a true pass catcher in the NFL Draft.

"I love 'em. Give me nine of 'em. Bring me as many tight ends as we can get," Vrabel said about the tight end depth in the draft at the NFL Annual Meetings in Arizona, before going on to say he hopes New England drafts one. "Just trying to find the right guy. There's different (types) -- some are receiving, some more at the line of scrimmage, some a little bit of both. We'll try to come up with the one that fits us best and see where we can draft one."

Here's the fourth installment of the Patriots On SI Positional Draft Preview, taking a look at where the team can improve at tight end and help Drake Maye's continued development.

Current Depth Chart:

Henry has continued to be a reliable target for New England since signing in 2021, but isn't getting any younger. As he heads into a contract season, a true replacement in the passing department will certainly be a need.

For Hill, he has just 33 catches since joining the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023. His role projects to be more of a blocking type, while CJ Dippre and Marshall Lang both are hoping to make their marks after spending parts of last season on the practice squad. Jack Westover -- who was the team's fullback in 2025 -- may revert back to his normal position this summer, creating more of a battle.

Nov 14, 2025; Madrid, Spain; Miami Dolphins tight end Julian Hill (89) during practice at Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Top Prospects:

Unless the Patriots feel comfortable in trading up to snag Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq in the middle of the first round, the top tight end will certainly off the board by the time they're on the clock. But who's just after him on the positional rankings?

According to some draft experts, it's Oscar Delp of Georgia, while others think it's either Ohio State's Max Klare or Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers. The Patriots wouldn't be making a mistake with any of those choices.

Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq carries the ball under cover from Washington cornerback Ephesians Prysock as the Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies on Nov. 29, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Delp didn't put up the best statistics in a pro-level offense in Athens, grabbing just 20 passes last season. But his ability to move with the football in his hands and an excellent blocking resume, he would fit right into the hole left by Hooper.

Klare and Stowers -- two players who could go in the third or fourth rounds -- each bring their own set of skills to the table, both of which can help improve New England's passing offense. Klare is a much better blocker, and the ties to Vrabel's alma mater could help swing the Patriots in his favor.

Nailing this pick wouldn't just be for 2026, but also ideally finding someone to step up and replace Henry should he leave next offseason.

Final Pick Prediction:

It's safe to say that a tight end will be taken by the Patriots, but when? If the team decides to splurge at the position and pick one on day two, Delp would be a perfect fit as a pass catcher and a receiver. If they Patriots wait until the later rounds, Ole Miss' Dae'Quan Wright is an intriguing option that has premier upside with the ball in his hands.

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