New England Patriots: 8 newcomers who will make big impacts in 2021

No. 2: Hunter Henry give the New England Patriots that tight end touch again

As great as the Jonnu Smith addition will be for the New England Patriots in 2021, the signing of tight end Hunter Henry has the potential of paying big dividends for Bill Belichick.

If Smith has some Ben Coates qualities about his game, Henry has glimpses of Rob Gronkowski in his game when he is health, and the key word is health.

At just 26, Henry has put together some impressive seasons while with the Los Angeles Chargers, but he has yet to make a Pro Bowl and his first season with the Patriots could change that.

At 6-foot-5, 250 pounds he is a big target who once again give the Patriots offense that threat down the seams and of course a huge threat in the red zone.

Whether it is Cam Newton or Mac Jones at quarterback, either man under center will use Henry as their security blanket, especially Newton who had his best years throwing the ball when Greg Olsen was his primary target and tight end.  And don’t think his production would be less with a rookie quarterback under center because he had a solid season catching the ball from Justin Herbert in 2021.

In all, Hunter Henry has the right attitude and physical attributes to be the next New England Patriots great tight end.  It certainly depends on health, as he is nursing some shoulder issues that has been deemed not serious, but when he is on that field, he is a viable target and solves the team’s hunger for tight end production.