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Tight end is an intriguing position to watch as training camp opens up. Hunter Henry is locked in as the starter but the Patriots lack depth at the position and will need guys to step up, specifically rookie Eli Rairdon who will have to play more snaps than the Patriots anticipated early on.

Nonetheless, this is a position to watch in camp. The Patriots would like to carry three tight ends if possible so the opportunity is there for the rest of the room to make an impression.

Here is our tight end preview.

Hunter Henry, 6’5, 258, Arkansas: Hunter Henry returns for his sixth season with the Patriots and his 11th in the NFL. Coming off a career-best campaign where he established himself as Drake Maye’s premier receiving target, Henry hauled in 60 receptions for 768 yards and a team-leading seven touchdowns. He is a reliable through the middle of the field and inside the red zone. As the undisputed TE1 on the roster, his veteran presence and seamless chemistry with Maye give New England a dependable focal point in the passing game as he enters the final year of his contract.

Eli Raridon, 6’6, 250, Notre Dame: Selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Eli Raridon brings height, length, and enticing athletic traits to New England’s offense. Initially drafted as a developmental tight end behind Henry, Raridon could be thrust into a significantly larger rookie role than originally envisioned. While he continues to build NFL-level strength and master Josh McDaniels system, his raw pass-catching ceiling gives the Patriots a promising long-term upside at the position.

CJ Dippre, 6’5, 257, Alabama: Entering his second season in Foxborough, CJ Dippre offers a classic, physical body type suited for inline blocking duties. After spending time on the practice squad and earning brief offensive action in 2025, Dippre enters training camp with an expanded opportunity to secure a rotational role. His path to the 53-man roster will rely heavily on demonstrating stout point-of-attack blocking to support New England’s rushing attack. Dippre will also need to contribute on special teams.

Tanner Arkin, 6’4, 255, Illinois: An undrafted rookie entering his first season with the Patriots, Arkin adds competitive depth to a revamped tight end room. Known primarily for his physical blocking in the run game in college, Arkin projects as a blocking option who can compete for heavy-personnel snaps. Camp and preseason reps will be crucial for him to prove he can handle the physical transition to NFL blocking assignments.

Jack Westover, 6’3, 252, Washington: Westover brings key positional versatility to the roster, having crossed over between tight end and fullback roles since joining the Patriots. After playing in all 17 games in 2025 and contributing heavily on special teams and in full-house backfields, Westover enters camp taking reps back with the tight end group. His flexibility, special teams utility, and familiarity with the system make him a valuable utility piece fighting for a tight end spot.