The New England Patriots have a high-end veteran at the tight end position leading the charge, Hunter Henry. Behind him, though, are plenty of questions on the depth chart when it comes to versatile options who can block and catch passes. And the draft could be their golden ticket.
What's currently in the room shouldn't be seen as enough. Julian Hill, who signed a three-year, $15 million contract in March, was universally panned as a weak move that doesn't fix the problem. Especially in the wake of Austin Hooper taking a much smaller contract to return to the Atlanta Falcons, it's a move that barely aged at all before being deemed a bust. While Hill is a strong run blocker, serving as a blocker on over 68% of his snaps since joining the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2023, he doesn't offer much in the passing game. Hill hauled in 27 receptions total over the past two seasons.
Behind Hill is CJ Dippre, who is still developing. In two appearances for the Patriots in 2025, he didn't log any stats, but he was penalty-free on an Alabama Crimson Tide team that otherwise struggled with discipline in 2024. Dippre had no penalties in 13 games during the 2024 season.
There's a strong potential answer at the tight end position on day three of the 2026 NFL draft. Eliot Wolf can't blink and miss it.
Stanford's Sam Roush Should Be on Patriots' Radar in Fourth Round
It's very possible Stanford Cardinal TE Sam Roush drops down to the fourth round of the draft, where New England will have two selections at No. 125 and No. 131 overall. If that happens, the Pats can't let Roush get away from them.
In 2025, Roush was a stud for Stanford. He had 49 receptions for 545 yards and two touchdown receptions, which came with a sub-2,000-yard quarterback who had more interceptions than touchdown passes. Of course, playing 1,374 of his 2,479 total offensive snaps (55%) as a blocker, with 1,009 of those specifically as a run blocker, dramatically altered those numbers.
While Roush is doubted for his hands and ability to create separation at the next level, New England has churned out numerous stars in the passing game who were given similar pre-draft assessments. As Drake Maye continues to improve, he'll be more like Tom Brady, making everyone a star around him.
Roush has the perfect work ethic to thrive in the pros. The Patriots would do themselves a disservice by not exploring the fit with one of their fourth-round picks, as he has the potential to develop into a long-term contributor for this team.
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