The New England Patriots have made some interesting moves in free agency. The additions of Romeo Doubs and Dre'Mont Jones offer experience to a young roster, while adding Reggie Gilliam and K.J. Britt help continue the trend of physicality Mike Vrabel loves.
Alijah Vera-Tucker, one of my favorite additions, is the crown jewel of the class thus far.
While the additions have been more notable than the departures, the Patriots have lost some key pieces. K'Lavon Chaisson departed for the Washington Commanders, while Khyiris Tonga left for the Chiefs. The team also released veterans Anfernee Jennings and Jahlani Tavai.
Tight end remains a need for New England after the first week of free agency
While the team lost several defensive contributors, one of the more notable departures this offseason was Austin Hooper. Despite having only 21 catches, Hooper was deployed quite often as a second seam threat to Hunter Henry.
The Patriots ran more 13 personnel (2 TE and a FB) than any other team in football last season, so despite being targeted only 26 times, he played at least 51% on the snaps in ten games during the regular season.
Since Hooper's departure, which saw him return to Atlanta, the Patriots have yet to sign another tight end. Currently, a productive but 31-year-old Hunter Henry leads the room, and only Alabama UDFA C.J. Dippre is behind him. Dippre played in two games and wasn't targeted this season.
The addition of Gilliam at fullback could mean that Jack Westover returns to his more natural tight end position, but he has only two career catches. At best, he'd be competing with Dippre for the TE3 role.
Oscar Delp could be a hidden draft gem for the New England Patriots
The Patriots will likely look towards the draft as a time to solidify the tight end position, and in a recent article from Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine, it's suggested that Georgia's Oscar Delp could be a top option for New England to fill the void.
Delp was unable to participate in drills at the NFL Combine due to a hairline fracture in his foot, but he is expected to be set to go for Georgia's Pro Day next week. The 6-foot-5, 242-pound SEC talent had 20 catches for 261 yards and a touchdown this year, his third consecutive season with 20+ catches and 250+ yards. He shared the room with Lawson Luckie last year.
Delp has the speed and receiving ability of a player with massive upside. His blocking could use work, but with Henry still under contract, he'd be allowed time to develop in that department before taking on the TE1 role as early as 2027, when Henry's contract expires.
It seems increasingly unlikely the top tight in Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq will be available at No. 31, but selecting Delp in the mid rounds could be a viable option instead.
Ballentine names several other tight ends in the article as potential mid to late round gems, citing Texas A&M's Nate Boerkircher, Wyoming's John Michael Gyllenborg, and Stanford's Sam Roush as other potential options at the position.
Time will tell, but it seems increasingly likely the Patriots will look to select a tight end in the draft to replace Hooper. Whether Delp or another mid-round prospect, giving Josh McDaniels another player to toy with in his 13-personnel heavy system seems like an excellent idea.