6 tight end fits for the Patriots in the NFL Draft

ATHENS, GA - OCTOBER 7: Bulldog tight end Oscar Delp #4 celebrates a touchdown catch during a game between University of Kentucky and University of Georgia at Sanford Stadium on October 7, 2023 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Perry McIntyre/ISI Photos/Getty Images) | Getty Images The 2026 NFL Draft is less than three weeks away as the New England Patriots continue the process of finishing their board. Things will look quite different for the team this draft picking 31st overall after back-to-back years selecting in the top-five.

Among the positions that is expected to be addressed this year is tight end — a class head coach Mike Vrabel has continued to compliment. So, with that said, let’s take a look at some of the prospects that might make sense for the Patriots at the position. Patriots’ current tight end situation It was another steady and successful season for Hunter Henry , who posted a career-high 768 receiving yards to go with seven touchdowns.

But, the 32-year old is set to enter the final year of his contract — perhaps setting 2026 up to be his last (or at least his last as the team’s TE1). New England then signed Julian Hill to a three-year contract worth up to $18 million in free agency. Hill is known best for his work as a blocker in the run game while the team believes there is untapped production in the run game.

The rest of the depth chart includes FB/TE hybrid Jack Westover , 2025 undrafted free agent C. J. Dippre , who appeared in just two games as a rookie, and Marshall Long .