New England Patriots: Hunter Henry primed for a career year in 2021

Are the New England Patriots and tight end Hunter Henry a match made in heaven?

With the history the team has at the tight end position with the success of players like Ben Coates and recently Rob Gronkowski, Foxboro seems like the perfect place for a talented pass-catching tight end like Henry to shine.

Along with the praise the big free agent signing has received from his new head coach Bill Belichick, Henry along with fellow tight end Jonnu Smith will have every opportunity to become dominate forces in the office this upcoming season as long as both stay healthy.

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry in prime position

Just 26, Henry has had solid seasons in the NFL, but he hasn’t had that dominant season that would really put him up there as one of the top 2 or 3 tight ends in the league. He certainly has the talent and attitude to have similar success to that of Gronkowski.

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Obviously, those are gigantic shoes to fill, but without a real No. 1 receiver threat, Henry will be that go-to guy for either Cam Newton or rookie quarterback Mac Jones to get the ball to.

After signing with the New England Patriots in the offseason, Henry did admit he was surprised the two sides were able to get something done and also expressed his excitement in both playing for an organization that emphasizes the tight end position and forming a tandem with Smith.

"“I didn’t think this would happen where we both ended up in the same place. We hadn’t even talked about that. I don’t think anybody even thought about that,” Henry said back in March, as transcribed by Patriots Wire. “It’s going to be awesome. I feel like we complement each other well. I feel like we’ll compete. I got to meet him last week, so I continue to build that relationship and excited to see it show off on the field.”"

It will be quite the transition at the position. Since the retirement (at the time) of Gronkowski, production from the tight end position has been basically non-existent. Now, with both Henry and Smith, look for Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to orchestrate offensive game plans centered around the tight end position. This is where the tight end will have a chance to really breakout.

Hunter Henry embracing the New England Patriots culture

Coming off back-to-back 600 receiving yard seasons, Hunter Henry appears primed to expand on that production in an offense that will certainly feature him as a big target. Can he excel like past Patriots greats like Coates and Gronkowski?

Again, the size and talent are certainly there. It really comes down to his health as he has yet to play a full season and how he adapts to the culture of playing under a coach like Belichick.

Speaking of the “Patriot Way,” Henry is certainly embracing it…at least following OTAs.

"“I enjoy this culture. I think it fits me really well, and I’m excited to just embrace myself in it and really just be a complete Patriot and what it means,” Henry said following an OTA session, via MassLive.com. “It’s just such a winning culture. There’s a tradition here. There’s a high level of expectation.”"

Next. The great Rob Gronkowski-Ben Coates debate. dark

To be direct, there is a tight end tradition in New England that has been missing the last two seasons. So, the question is can Henry live up to those expectations?

There is certainly reason to root for him to do just that. There is $25 million of guaranteed money depending on it.

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