Patriots: Everything about Hunter Henry seems perfect for New England

The New England Patriots kicking off free agency by taking Jonnu Smith away from the Tennessee Titans was impressive enough, but the signing of former Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry signaled that Bill Belichick is going to return to the two tight end passing game that helped make him a champion several times over.

Henry proved that his injury in 2018 was not going to put a limit on his NFL potential, as he set a new career-high in catches as Justin Herbert’s safety blanket over the middle. Belichick will put him to good use.

Henry, who is wearing No. 85 in training camp as a tribute to legendary Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, has already started to endear himself to the fanbase, as he had some very nice things to say about the culture that Belichick and others established in Foxborough.

Henry said that the culture suits him “really well” while acknowledging that playing in New England brings with it a very heavy set of expectations.

Hopefully, Henry can make good on those expectations.

Hunter Henry could be perfect for the New England Patriots

Henry proved not only to be one of the best receiving tight ends in the game during his time in Los Angeles, but he is an excellent blocker as well, which should help Damien Harris and the running game pick up exactly where they left off.

Henry isn’t going to win any 100-meter sprints, but he has proven he can stretch the field and make plays as a runner. If he is able to find his fit in the New England offense, he could actually end up with more catches and touchdowns than Smith, who is more athletic but less polished at the position.

And more touchdown…throws? We’re mostly kidding, but Henry showed an aptitude this week for potential gadget plays by participating in an OTAs tossing contest. Belichick’s probably pretty upset this photo leaked.

The tight end position last year was by no means underinvested in, as Belichick put two Day 2 picks into Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene. Neither of them seemed to really grasp the playbook with any degree of comfort, and that prompted Belichick to go overboard and spend on Henry and Smith. The bar for success they have to clear is not very high.

Henry has been one of the more unheralded tight ends in the game, due to both his ability to open up running lanes, bully smaller defensive backs who match up against him, and secure catches in tough situations, all the while doing so with the determination and grit fans will love. Fitting the Patriots culture isn’t easy for everyone, but Henry is fitting like a glove.

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