This week’s sports news cycle was full of top rankings in the NFL, reflecting where many feel teams stand going into 2026. Think of it as the Associated Press College Football Weekly rankings, so to speak.
ESPN currently ranks the New England Patriots roster seventh across the board. Some want to debate this; some seem to agree, but that’s for another article.
This one, however, has to do with a certain Patriots player who was snubbed from the list for being labeled one of the best at his position.
Patriots tight end Hunter Henry was exceptional in 2025. The veteran racked up 60 receptions on 87 targets for 768 yards and 7 touchdowns. It was his second outing in Josh McDaniels’ offense, and catching passes from Drake Maye only seems to have added to his success.
Henry did not make ESPN’s Top 10 Tight Ends List ahead of the 2026 season. It was a list compiled by the network’s very own Jeremy Fowler.
It was a shocking move for anybody who saw what Henry accomplished on the field last season. The Patriots tight end had the seventh-most receiving yards in the entire league at the tight end position last season.
Who did Henry beat in terms of yards last year?
Brock Bowers, George Kittle (who was injured many times), Sam LaPorta, Tucker Kraft, Colston Loveland, and Mark Andrews. All of those tight ends made the list ahead of this season. Thus, leaving Henry as one of the more underrated tight ends currently playing.
There is the notion that this could be the last season Henry wears a Patriots jersey, as he is headed into the final year of his contract, and many do not know where or if he will play after that; that should not restrict him from even cracking the top 10.
Despite all the weapons like A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, who have been added to Drake Maye’s arsenal, Henry will most likely continue to be key in Drake Maye’s development, as he was a reliable target that could always get the young quarterback out of a pinch.
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