The 2024 New England Patriots had two solid pass-catchers, Demario Douglas and tight end Hunter Henry. Both caught 66 passes to lead the team. It was OK but not stellar. Yet, in 2025, the units the two players represent are helping fuel a Patriots' playoff run and maybe an AFC East title, as well.
The 2025 wide receiver and tight end units, the team's primary pass catchers, are soaring. Second-year quarterback Drake Maye has taken his game to a new level, and he couldn't have made that breakthrough without those two units, the wide receiving corps and tight ends.
Interestingly, they are a contrast in origins. The units include two solid veteran free agent additions at wide receiver, two 2024 receivers, and a tight end. All have contributed to a revitalized Patriots offense (along with an 80 percent new offensive line) and helped turn a doormat into a possible AFC East title winner.
Hunter Henry continues to be an underrated part of the Patriots' offense since arriving in 2021
Hunter Henry has continued to flash Pro-Bowl-level quality. Against the Bengals in a hard-fought but sloppy tilt, Henry was a difference-maker.
He caught 7 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown when the offense was on the ropes with an inconsistent and out-of-sync Drake Maye and a stumbling running game.
The @Patriots have had a 100-yard receiver in four straight games for the first time since the 2018 season. https://t.co/DuH3jawvn0
— Patriots Communications (@PatriotsComms) November 23, 2025
Henry picked up the slack and had one of, if not his very best, games as a Patriot. The soon-to-be 31-year-old Henry is in his tenth year in the NFL and seems to be getting better with age. He has 41 catches for 537 yards and five touchdowns this season. Hunter Henry is a solid cog on a 10-2 playoff team's offense.
Even better, in addition to his five scores, he's had 29 of his 41 catches go for first downs. Henry's position mate, Austin Hooper, has been quieter with only 16 catches. Yet, like Henry, he makes them count, as 11 of those have gone for first downs as well as one for a touchdown.
Stefon Diggs is leading a revitalized wide receiver room
On the receiver side of the ledger, Stefon Diggs has been a terrific signing. The former four-time Pro Bowler has reverted to his previous excellent form after a tough ACL injury in 2024. He's caught 61 passes for 679 yards and three touchdowns. And 35 of his catches have gone for first downs.
Three other receivers have also had pivotal roles in the Patriots' resurgence. Former Bill Mack Hollins has already surpassed his 2024 catch total with the Bills. He has 32 catches for 417 yards and two touchdowns, and 22 of his other catches have gone for first downs. He's Mr. Clutch.
In addition, two returnees from 2024 have contributed nicely to the 10-2 record. Kayshon Boutte has only 25 catches in 10 games. But he's caught five touchdowns, and sports a whopping 17.9 yards per catch. That's big-time playmaking. And last season's wide receiving leader, Demario Douglas, has caught only 24 passes, but he has three touchdowns and several big plays to help his team to wins.
Head Coach Mike Vrabel needed to revitalize his pass-catching options for Drake Maye to help him improve in 2025. He used a combination of top free-agent additions, like wide receiver Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, and 2024 players like Hunter Henry, Kayshon Boutte, and Demario Douglas to get things clicking.
It's all worked, and added to Drake Maye's MVP form; it's a winning combination.