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One of the most problematic positions facing the New England Patriots ahead of training camp is at tight end.
The top of the depth chart is solidified with returning veteran Hunter Henry. Still, there are real questions about the team's depth after losing Julian Hill to a season-ending injury in the spring.
The Patriots are desperately clinging to hope that rookie third-round draft pick Eli Raridon can contribute right out of the gate, but it's always a stretch depending on that kind of progress from a first-year tight end. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Patriots explore the possibility of bringing in a veteran tight end to boost the competition at the position in training camp.
Here's where things currently stand at the position:
Henry is locked in as a solid starter for the Patriots, but the veteran tight end turns 32 years old later this year. His consistent availability has been a superpower for most of his NFL career, but teams always have to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
Enter Raridon.
The promising rookie is a versatile option with the ability to serve as a solid receiving tight end and blocker. With Hill going down with an injury, the team could call on Raridon to do more of the latter for the Patriots this season, if he's up to the task.
If not, they might need to consider other blocking tight end options in free agency. Some interesting names that immediately come to mind are Pharaoh Brown, Will Dissly and Nick Vannett.
The Patriots have yet to bring in a veteran replacement for Hill, which could mean one of two things: they are still mulling over their options, or they like what they currently have on the roster.
One of the players the team seems to like is undrafted rookie Tanner Arkin. The former Illinois tight end's physical presence alone is enough to stop you in your tracks. He stands at 6-foot-4 and 262 pounds. Perhaps he can develop into the extra blocking enforcer the team is looking for along the offensive front.
He should get plenty of opportunities at training camp to help fill the role.
Running back
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots 2026 training camp preview: Where New England stands at TE
Continue reading...
The top of the depth chart is solidified with returning veteran Hunter Henry. Still, there are real questions about the team's depth after losing Julian Hill to a season-ending injury in the spring.
The Patriots are desperately clinging to hope that rookie third-round draft pick Eli Raridon can contribute right out of the gate, but it's always a stretch depending on that kind of progress from a first-year tight end. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Patriots explore the possibility of bringing in a veteran tight end to boost the competition at the position in training camp.
Here's where things currently stand at the position:
Who's on the roster?
- Hunter Henry
- Eli Raridon
- Tanner Arkin
- Jack Westover
- CJ Dippre
Reading the room
Henry is locked in as a solid starter for the Patriots, but the veteran tight end turns 32 years old later this year. His consistent availability has been a superpower for most of his NFL career, but teams always have to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
Enter Raridon.
The promising rookie is a versatile option with the ability to serve as a solid receiving tight end and blocker. With Hill going down with an injury, the team could call on Raridon to do more of the latter for the Patriots this season, if he's up to the task.
If not, they might need to consider other blocking tight end options in free agency. Some interesting names that immediately come to mind are Pharaoh Brown, Will Dissly and Nick Vannett.
Potential surprise player to watch
The Patriots have yet to bring in a veteran replacement for Hill, which could mean one of two things: they are still mulling over their options, or they like what they currently have on the roster.
One of the players the team seems to like is undrafted rookie Tanner Arkin. The former Illinois tight end's physical presence alone is enough to stop you in your tracks. He stands at 6-foot-4 and 262 pounds. Perhaps he can develop into the extra blocking enforcer the team is looking for along the offensive front.
He should get plenty of opportunities at training camp to help fill the role.
Other positional previews
Running back
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots 2026 training camp preview: Where New England stands at TE
Continue reading...
