New England Patriots: Ranking team’s tight ends post-Gronk

5. Stephen Anderson

The tight end no one is talking about, but perhaps the most intriguing is Stephen Anderson.

After spending his first two seasons with the Houston Texans, the New England Patriots signed Anderson to the practice squad where he spent most of the 2018 NFL season.  He was promoted to the 53-man roster prior to the playoffs but didn’t see a snap.

In 28 NFL games, Anderson has 36 receptions for 435 yards.  The majority of that production came in 2017 with the Texans where he racked up 342 yards receiving on 25 receptions.

A smaller, faster tight end, Stephen Anderson presents as a hybrid type playmaker that Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will certainly try to utilize in many ways.  In that facet he does have an advantage when trying to make the team.

The disadvantage could be in the blocking game as the New England Patriots are tending in the direction of a more power running oriented team.  Unless Anderson really impresses in the preseason, he could be one of the odd men out, especially if Andrew Beck and the next guy on the list shine in the passing game.