With training camp set to start at the end of the month, we’ll provide a position-by-position breakdown of where the Patriots stand. Today, it’s tight ends.
Earlier: Quarterbacks | wide receivers | running backs
Roll call: Hunter Henry (66 catches, 674 yards, 2 TDs), Austin Hooper (45-476-3), Jaheim Bell (2-20), Jack Westover, CJ Dippre (rookie), Gee Scott (rookie).
By the numbers:
40: Receptions by Henry in 2024 that resulted in a first down, a team high.
66, 674: Henry set career highs in 2024 with 66 receptions and 674 receiving yards. (His previous bests were 60 receptions in 2020 and 652 yards in 2019.)
76.2: Hooper’s catch percentage last year (45 receptions on 59 targets). It was the highest on the team among players who were targeted at least 50 times.
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76.4: The percentage of offensive snaps played by Henry last year. It was the highest among offensive skill position players on the roster, and third most among offensive players on the roster.
409: Number of catches made by Hooper since 2016. That’s sixth most for tight ends in that stretch.
264,000: The amount, in guaranteed dollars of the contract signed by Dippre, an undrafted free agent out of Alabama. It’s the richest deal handed out to a New England UDFA this year.
The skinny:
It’s an admittedly low bar, but the tight ends have been the steadiest and most consistent offensive skill position group for the Patriots the last two seasons. They had 113 catches last season, led by Henry’s 66. Hooper was a pleasant surprise as a second option, while Bell and Westover provided added depth. Bottom line? There were all sorts of issues with the offense the last two seasons, but tight end wasn’t one of them.
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As a result, it was probably not a surprise that the Patriots didn’t do anything dramatic to augment the position during the offseason (at least relative to the rest of the roster). They did re-up Hooper on a one-year deal, and signed Dippre. Content to ride into 2025 with Henry leading the way again, this is a group that should again play a sizable role.
Henry, one of the only players left on the roster who worked with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in a previous stint with the Patriots, has done well to build a rapport with Drake Maye (just like he did with Mac Jones), and should continue to do his part to help the young quarterback evolve. Meanwhile, Hooper is an excellent complementary presence with dependable hands. Bell carved out a niche as a special teamer last year, and Dippre arrives with a reputation for being an excellent blocker.
The position will need to be addressed soon — both Henry and Hooper will turn 31 this season, and it remains to be seen if Bell, Westover, or Dippre can hold up in similar fashion. As with any player and position, health is always a concern. But for now, New England can feel good about its tight ends.
How does this position rate against the rest of the league? Neither Henry nor Hooper are overwhelming in the mold of Rob Gronkowski, but given their production and steadiness the last two seasons, it’s reasonable to consider this position group in the top third of the league.
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Quote of note: “I’d be lying if I say that wasn’t a big part of the equation. And also sharing a room with Hunter Henry.”
— Hooper, speaking in April about the chance to return to New England to play alongside Maye and Henry.
Biggest story lines: Can Henry and Hooper stay healthy? Is Bell something more than a part-time tight end and core special teamer? Is Dippre’s guaranteed money an indicator he’ll end up on the 53-man roster?
Christopher Price can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @cpriceglobe.