Top 6 Tight End Prospects for Patriots in 2026 NFL Draft

Bassyonni

Published: April 10, 2026 2:00 PM ET

Top 6 Tight End Prospects for Patriots in 2026 NFL Draft

The New England Patriots are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled in less than three weeks. This year’s draft is particularly significant as the Patriots hold the 31st overall pick. This comes after two seasons where they picked in the top five. The team aims to strengthen various positions, notably tight end, a group praised by head coach Mike Vrabel.

Current Tight End Situation for the Patriots

The Patriots’ tight end roster includes Hunter Henry, who had an impressive season last year with 768 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. However, at 32 years old, he is entering the final year of his contract, indicating that 2026 could be pivotal for him.

Additionally, the Patriots have secured Julian Hill with a three-year, $18 million deal. Hill is noted for his blocking capabilities and potential to enhance the run game. The depth chart also features Jack Westover, a fullback-tight end hybrid, along with C.J. Dippre, who played minimally in his rookie year, and Marshall Long.

Top 6 Tight End Prospects for the Patriots in the 2026 NFL Draft

Max Klare (Ohio State)

Klare showcased strong athleticism at Purdue before transferring to Ohio State. His production dipped but his potential as a versatile tight end remains high. Consensus ranking: 74.
Oscar Delp (Georgia)

At 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, Delp is an elite athlete capable of excelling as a movement blocker. Despite disappointing college stats, he recently visited the Patriots. Consensus ranking: 93.
Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt)

Stowers led FBS tight ends in 2025 with 64.1 receiving yards per game. While his blocking skills are underwhelming, his raw athletic ability stands out. Consensus ranking: 54.
Sam Roush (Stanford)

Roush is a traditional Y tight end known for his physicality. His athletic testing at the NFL Combine highlights his potential in both blocking and receiving, despite some limitations in catch radius. Consensus ranking: 108.
Eli Raridon (Notre Dame)

Raridon has overcome significant injuries to play in all games for two years. He excels in contested catches and demonstrates commitment in the run game. Consensus ranking: 137.
Jack Endries (Texas)

Although Endries had a quieter season at Texas, his hands and ability to find space in zone coverage make him a valuable prospect. Consensus ranking: 151.