The New England Patriots will have to get their future tight end in the 2026 NFL draft. This is the perfect time to look for a Hunter Henry replacement as he is 31, entering a contract season, and his play tailed off in the second half of the season, including, most importantly, the playoffs. Henry had nine catches for 112 yards and a touchdown in four playoff games, coming out to 2.25 receptions and 28 yards a game.
The Patriots also didn’t sign any tight end that screams future tight end like Isaiah Likely, Cade Otton, or Chig Okonkwo. David Njoku is still out there, but it doesn’t seem incredibly likely that they sign him either, since we haven’t heard many rumors linking the two so far.
New England did sign former Miami Dolphins tight end Julian Hill, but that wasn’t anything major. Hill signed a three-year deal worth up to $18 million, but should theoretically be the Patriots’ third tight end and used mainly as a blocker. New England’s current tight end room consists of Henry, Hill, and CJ Dippre after Austin Hooper signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
Obviously, assuming that Oregon Duck Kenyon Sadiq is off the board somewhere before 31, but if he’s there, you take him and run. Sadiq is far and away the best tight end available, could go anywhere from pick 10 on, and lines up anywhere with his change of direction.
Here are five draft prospects the Patriots should target in the draft to eventually replace Henry at their range of 31, 63, 95, 125, and 131 early on.
Stowers is listed at 6’4, 235 pounds, is 22 years old, and is coming off 62 receptions, 769 receiving yards, and four touchdowns with Vanderbilt in 2025.
Scouts have mentioned Stowers as someone who was built in a lab, can be explosive, has elite athleticism, and brings yards after catch immediately into the NFL.
A knock on Stowers is his blocking, which leaves a lot to be desired currently.
Stowers also had a 45.5″ vertical jump, which is the 2nd-best in the last 23 years of the combine. In the 40-yard dash, he ran a 4.51, which was also impressive.
Stowers was also the recipient of the John Mackey award, which is awarded to the nation’s best tight end.
Stowers is projected to be drafted in the second or third round.
Klare is 22 years old, 6’5, 232 pounds, reeled in 43 receptions, had 448 receiving yards, and caught two touchdowns this past season for Ohio State.
Scouts marvel over Klare’s ability to create separation, run block, and be ready to produce from day one.
On the other hand, they’ve pointed out that his overall blocking is still a work in progress, and he needs to improve his strength as well.
Klare is expected to be drafted in the second through fourth rounds.
Delp is listed at 6’5, 245 pounds, is 22 years old, and is coming off a 20-reception, 261 receiving yards, and one touchdown season at Georgia in 2025.
Scouts have given him credit for his blocking in both pass and run protection, being well-rounded, and being likely to separate against most linebackers.
The downside to Delp includes never being a high-volume tight end and not being a matchup nightmare.
Delp is also expected to be picked anywhere from the second to fourth rounds.
Royer is 24 years old, 6’5, 250 pounds, and is coming off 29-receptions, 416 receiving yards, and four touchdowns this past season at Cincinnati.
Scouts have raved about his ability to be a three-down tight end while mentioning that he’s athletic enough, has strong hands, and is a good enough route runner.
A knock on Royer is that he’s a fifth-year senior, not an exceptional athlete, and he’s not a great run blocker.
Royer is expected to be chosen in the third to fourth round range.
Trigg is listed at 6’4, 240 pounds, 23 years old, caught 50 passes, had 694 receiving yards, and six touchdowns at Baylor in the 2025 season.
Trigg is a former high school basketball star turned tight end who scouts have mentioned is a really good red-zone threat, really good yards after catch ability, and moves like a bigger X receiver.
The downside of Trigg includes, at times, dropping passes, being raw as a blocker, and the fact that it took him a while to really break out.
Trigg really stands out as it’s not common for someone of his size to be this much of a vertical threat. Even though he’ll be 24 years old for his rookie season, this seems like an absolute sleeper selection.
Trigg is expected to be picked in the third to fourth round range.
The Patriots need to undoubtedly draft a tight end in this upcoming draft to eventually become the successor to Hunter Henry. They can learn behind him currently, potentially even fight for the starting spot with him, and give quarterback Drake Maye a nice big target to throw to.
It’s not incredibly surprising that New England didn’t sign a major tight end in free agency, but this is where they have to attack the position and hope to get their tight end of the future.
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