As the New England Patriots continue to build their offense around second-year quarterback Drake Maye, could adding another tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft be a focal point?
With offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels back in the mix, look for the role of the pass-catching tight end to increase. That means more Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, but could there be a more enticing option in the draft who could emerge in McDaniels’ offense?
Hunter, who has been the Patriots’ most consistent playmaker the past three seasons is ready to be that guy again for Maye. But, at the age of 30, he knows being a leader and taking a rookie tight end under his wing is a big part of the team’s development, especially on offense. In a deep draft at the position, Hunter is all in on adding another tight end to the mix.
“I feel like there’s a lot of good tight ends coming out this year,” Hunter said during an appearance on “Patriots Unfiltered.” “…If we add one, that would be great. Would love to have him under my wing and teach him as much as I can because I had a great guy when I came in the league in Antonio Gates. He taught me a ton and really took me under his wing, and I’m very, very thankful for that.”
Patriots fits at tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft
Along with Henry and Hooper, the Patriots have both Jaheim Bell and Jack Westover competing for that third tight end role. But, if they are in position to draft a tight end who could give Maye another playmaking option, they shouldn’t hesitate. Here are three fits at the position to keep an eye on.
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State: After a decade of success with Rob Gronkowski dominating defenses, the Patriots could find the next Gronk-type tight end in Tyler Warren. As a Y-tight end, Warren can block while also using his size and quickness to create nightmare matchups when running routes. The Patriots are set on drafting the best available player at No. 4 and that won’t be Warren, but in a trade-down scenario, the team adding Warren to the mix would give Maye a big-time target to get the ball to and it will have Patriots fans reminiscing about the days of Gronkowski.
Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas: If the Patriots don’t draft a tight end like Warren high in the draft, they will likely wait till late Day 2 at the earliest to add one. That’s where Gunnar Helm should be available. Another tight end with good size and athleticism, Helm produced as a tight end at Texas despite not being a featured option in the offense. His pass-catching and blocking ability could make him the next Hunter Henry to hit the NFL. He could flourish learning behind veteran tight ends like Henry and Hooper. Add another “H” to the mix!
Mitchell Evans, TE, Notre Dame: A Day 3 option with high potential is Mitchell Evans. When healthy Evans could be the type of tight end Henry has been in the NFL. Nothing great stands out about him, but he is a classic Y-tight end who can be a similar type of target as both Henry and Hooper. At 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, he’s big with sneaky athleticism.
Other options at tight end: While the Patriots could be looking to add the next guy behind both Henry, they could go with an F-tight like Harold Fannin Jr. McDaniels has explored this position in recent years with Tim Wright and most recently Jonnu Smith. With a talented arm like Maye, targeting a talented athlete who would pose as more of a big wide receiver could be an intriguing option.