As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the New England Patriots are gearing up to reshape their tight end (TE) position, which has been a consistent strength under head coach Mike Vrabel. With a focus on finding the right prospects, the Patriots are eyeing a diverse group of tight ends who can contribute both in the passing game and as blockers. Here's a deep dive into the top six tight end prospects who could be a good fit for the Patriots, along with personal insights and analysis.
Hunter Henry's Legacy and Julian Hill's Role
The Patriots' current tight end situation is led by Hunter Henry, who had a solid season with 768 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. However, Henry's age (32) and contract status (final year) make his future uncertain. The team addressed this need by signing Julian Hill to a three-year deal worth up to $18 million, recognizing his potential as a run-game blocker with untapped production. While Henry's departure is likely, his impact on the team's success cannot be understated, and the Patriots will need to find a reliable successor.
Max Klare: A Versatile Pass Catcher
Max Klare from Ohio State stands out as a versatile tight end with a combination of athleticism and size. After a productive season at Purdue, Klare transferred to Ohio State, where his numbers dipped slightly due to a more talented group of pass catchers. However, his athleticism and ability to compete as a Y-tight end make him an intriguing prospect. Klare's upside is enticing, and his size (6'4", 245 lbs) allows him to survive in the NFL. In my opinion, Klare's versatility and potential make him a strong candidate for the Patriots, who value players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Oscar Delp: An Elite Athlete with Untapped Potential
Oscar Delp from Georgia is an elite athlete with exceptional speed and size (6'5", 245 lbs). Despite underwhelming receiving stats in college, Delp's ability to pull away from defensive backs and explode up the seam is impressive. His athleticism and size make him a threat in both the passing game and as a blocker. The Patriots hosted Delp for a visit, recognizing his potential to become a productive tight end in the NFL. Delp's ability to play inline as a movement blocker and hold up against defensive ends is a significant plus, and his athleticism could be a game-changer for the Patriots' offense.
Eli Stowers: A Pass-Catching Specialist
Eli Stowers from Vanderbilt is an explosive athlete with good ball skills, leading all FBS tight ends in receiving yards per game (64.1) in 2025. However, Stowers' impact is primarily as a pass catcher, and his lack of play strength makes him a poor blocker. This raises a deeper question: Can Stowers transition to wide receiver? While the Patriots are unlikely to target him, his skills as a pass catcher are undeniable, and his athleticism could be an asset in the right role.
Sam Roush: A Traditional Y-Tight End
Sam Roush from Stanford is a traditional Y-tight end with a physical presence (6'6", 267 lbs). While he is a capable blocker, Roush's athletic profile is impressive, with a high Relative Athletic Score (9.94) at the NFL Combine. However, his arm length and wingspan negatively impact his catch radius and blocking ability. Roush's ability to contribute in the passing game is promising, but his limitations as a blocker may limit his role in the Patriots' offense.
Eli Raridon: A Reliable Blocker and Pass Catcher
Eli Raridon from Notre Dame is a reliable tight end with a good athletic profile and large hands (95th percentile). He has proven his ability to succeed in contested catch situations and on passes outside his frame, averaging over 15.0 yards per catch. Raridon's effort and effectiveness in the run game make him a valuable asset. While his receiving stats may not be eye-popping, his reliability and versatility make him a strong candidate for the Patriots, who value players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Jack Endries: A Reliable Hand and Savvy Uncoverer
Jack Endries from Texas is a reliable tight end with reliable hands and savvy uncovering skills against zone coverages. While he is primarily a movement blocker, his ability to compete inline and uncover makes him a valuable asset. Endries' reliability and versatility could be a good fit for the Patriots, who are looking for players who can contribute in multiple roles.
Personal Insights and Analysis
In my opinion, the Patriots should prioritize tight ends who can contribute in both the passing game and as blockers. The team's focus on finding a reliable successor to Hunter Henry and a versatile player like Julian Hill is a smart move. Max Klare and Oscar Delp stand out as the top prospects who can fill these roles, with Klare's versatility and Delp's athleticism and size making them ideal candidates. While Eli Stowers and Sam Roush have impressive skills, their limitations as blockers may limit their roles in the Patriots' offense.
The Patriots' draft strategy should also consider the potential for tight ends to transition to other positions, such as wide receiver. Eli Stowers' skills as a pass catcher and his athleticism make him a potential candidate for such a transition. Additionally, the team should look for players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game, such as Eli Raridon and Jack Endries, who are reliable blockers and pass catchers.
In conclusion, the Patriots' tight end situation is in a state of flux, but with a smart draft strategy and a focus on finding the right prospects, the team can reshape its tight end position and build a strong foundation for the future. The top six tight end prospects discussed in this article offer a diverse range of skills and potential, and the Patriots should be excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
