If we remember one of Josh McDaniels' first go-arounds as the Patriots' offensive coordinator, it's that he was a big fan of using multiple tight ends in his offense. That certainly could be the case this season, with two fine veterans in Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper at Drake Maye's disposal.
But those guys aren't going to be around forever, and Hooper is 30 years old and playing on a one-year deal. The Patriots need to look into the draft for some tight end prospects, and fortunately, this draft has some solid ones from which to choose.
Even if New England adds another wide receiver, it wouldn't hurt to address the tight end position.
Best tight end options for the Patriots in the 2025 Draft
Tyler Warren - Penn State
Watching him play during the College Football Playoff, the Penn State product looks like a raw version of Rob Gronkowski. Warren's versatility allows him to line up anywhere, and in a McDaniels' offense, that's something you've got to be able to do at the tight end position.
Warren finished his college career with 19 touchdowns and has the speed to get behind the defense quickly. Warren also has an excellent reputation as a route runner and the ability to find soft spots in zone coverage. If he's still there by the time New England's second-round pick rolls around, a call to Warren might be necessary.
Mitchell Evans - Notre Dame
Evans' stats last year—43 catches, 421 yards, three touchdowns—aren't overly flashy, but he excelled in a Notre Dame offense that was primarily run-first. That program has produced fine tight ends over the last several years, and at 6'5'', Evans represents a big target who would be a vital asset in the red zone.
If New England isn't able to select Warren, Evans could be worth a look in the third or fourth rounds. Evans won't come off the board super early, so he could be there for the Patriots to snatch up.
Terrance Ferguson - Oregon
ESPN has the Oregon product ranked as the fifth tight end in this year's draft, and Ferguson represents another potential solid fit in McDaniels' offense.
Ferguson produced the fastest 40-yard dash (4.63) among tight ends at the NFL Combine, which is no surprise given he played in a Ducks' offense constantly attacking downhill and fast. It may take some coaching to fine-tune his route running, but the Patriots have the combination of fine coaches and veterans at the tight end position to make that happen.
Oregon also ran many tight-end screens, another big part of McDaniels' schemes. Ferguson may not come off the board until the third round, and New England has two third-round picks in its arsenal.