An otherwise forgettable 2024 season for the Patriots turned out to be a solid one for veteran tight end Hunter Henry. Despite a miserable corps of wide receivers around him, Henry emerged as one of Drake Maye's security blankets while leading the team with 66 catches. He produced 674 yards and a pair of touchdown catches.
With offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels back in the fold and a rebuilt offense around Maye, the 2025 season could mean better numbers for Henry. The Patriots are running it back, so to speak, in their tight end room with veterans Henry and Austin Hooper, their top two options at that position. While that duo isn't Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett, Henry is getting some respect across the league.
According to MassLive's Lauren Campbell, Henry was a deserved Honorable Mention on ESPN's expected Top 10 tight ends list heading into the 2025 campaign. While Henry's 2024 numbers aren't worthy of a top 10 mention, he's a guy who is primed for a strong season in New England.
Hunter Henry will be a top-10 tight end when it's all said and done
"He's aging well because speed was never his game, but he's just a good player with sure hands. Can get you 600 or so yards every year. Takes care of his body, great in the locker room," one evaluator told ESPN.
Maye and the Patriots certainly need a weapon of that caliber heading into the season, with questions in the wide receiver room that should be addressed despite the existing concerns.
Henry isn't a superstar like Las Vegas's Brock Bowers, who topped ESPN's list, but he's reliable on and off the field and will be a positive voice in the locker room for the young players, in particular his quarterback. He's also a valuable piece in the red zone, and can be a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties when the field shrinks.
Henry's steady presence and calming voice will positively impact the players around him, and that's a vital factor the Patriots' offense will need this season if the team is to be successful. Look for Henry to have a 750-yard, six-touchdown type of season in New England, especially if the Patriots are to be a postseason contender.