If you want different results, you have to make changes. After another disastrous season, the New England Patriots did exactly that, hiring Mike Vrabel as head coach. Vrabel becomes the team’s third head coach in the last three years. So far, he’s brought a new vision to the team to restore the Patriots to their glory.
In doing so, he brought back one of the dynasty's key pieces: offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. With the keys to the offense, McDaniels will be tasked with improving one of the worst offenses in the league while developing Drake Maye.
Although they prioritized upgrading the defense in free agency, the offense was the heavy focus in the draft, using their first four picks on offense. The Patriots continued to look for offensive players after the draft, signing 16 undrafted free agents.
Out of the 16, tight end CJ Dippre has the best chance to make the Patriots roster.
UDFA Tight End CJ Dippre Could Make the Patriots Roster
CJ Dippre played four years in college at Maryland and Alabama. Dippre finished his career with 65 receptions, 782 yards, and three touchdowns. Dippre was a starter in his last season with Alabama, finishing the 2024 season with 21 catches for 256 yards.
Although Dippre isn’t going to load up the stat sheet, his 6'5” frame could give Maye a potential red-zone target. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com noted Dippre’s versatility and size as his main strengths.
"Combination tight end who can help here and there as both a blocker and pass catcher. Dippre is a big target underneath and can win contested catches."Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
In his tenure as offensive coordinator, McDaniels typically used two tight ends and occasionally a third. The Patriots currently have five tight ends, with Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper as their top two.
Generally, teams carry three tight ends, and although it’s a long shot for Dippre to be on the field, he has a chance to fight for the third-string tight end spot. Jaheim Bell and Jack Westover are the other two tight ends, but given that they had no contributions to last year's team, Dippre may have a chance.
One of the visions that Vrabel has for this team is to be dominant in the run. Dippre was a solid run blocker during his time at Alabama, something both Bell and Westover lack.
In 13 years McDaniels coached in New England, the Patriots were top 10 in rushing attempts in 10 of them. McDaniels likes to run the football and wants his tight ends to be versatile. Dippre, under coaching and development, could potentially make an impact in the run game for the Patriots as Dwayne Allen once did.
If Dippre wants to have a shot at making the roster, he’ll need to impress the team during rookie minicamp, which begins May 10th.