The New England offense leans on tight ends in this camp battle, with an undisclosed injury to Hunter Henry clouding Week 2 and Minnesota prep looming. Austin Hooper slides into starter reps, while Gee Scott Jr., Jack Westover, C.J. Dippre, and Jaheim Bell chase snaps behind him. If Henry’s absence extends to Minnesota, the Patriots’ tight end rotation will be tested and fantasy managers will need to monitor who steps up in camp and early preseason action.

Henry’s chemistry with Drake Maye this summer adds another layer to the offense, but Week 2 could hinge on Hooper’s consistency and the ceiling of the depth trio. Westover’s versatility at fullback/TE could swing reps in the two-TE looks, while Dippre and Bell will need to carve routes and blocks. Hooper remains the anchor, but the depth chart behind him becomes a high-leverage fantasy story as teams prepare for the regular season.

The New England Patriots have made significant roster changes, drafting eleven new players and signing numerous undrafted free agents. Among these additions, tight end CJ Dippre from Alabama stands out as a strong candidate for a spot on the depth chart. Analyst Brent Sobleski suggests that Dippre’s skill set could complement the Patriots’ current tight end group, which includes veterans Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, both of whom are noted for their lack of explosiveness. Sobleski emphasizes Dippre’s blocking ability and size—6-foot-5, 256 pounds—as essential traits that could enhance the Patriots’ offense.

Dippre has a well-rounded college career with 65 receptions for 782 yards and three touchdowns. Despite not being the primary target in Alabama’s offense, his skills as a hard-working contributor in both running and passing situations make him a valuable asset. His experience competing against top-tier talent in the SEC is expected to translate well to the NFL. As the Patriots seek to bolster their tight end position with more dynamic playmakers, training camp will be critical for Dippre to showcase his talents and possibly secure a third-string role heading into the season.

Despite entering the 2025 NFL draft with 11 potential draftees, Alabama was only able to watch as seven of their players were selected. This left four talented players without a team, who quickly found new homes as undrafted free agents. Among them, tight end CJ Dippre has signed with the New England Patriots after a notable collegiate career where he recorded 32 receptions for 443 yards. Punter James Burnip, another noteworthy prospect, has joined the New Orleans Saints after an impressive season at Alabama, while long snapper Kneeland Hibbett is heading to the Miami Dolphins. Graham Nicholson, however, remains without a team following his perfect kicking performance in college.