Hunter Henry, the New England Patriots' tight end, was notably absent from ESPN's top-10 tight ends list, although he did receive honorable mention. Despite the Patriots' overall offensive struggles in 2024, Henry showcased his talents by recording 66 receptions for a team-high 674 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 10.2 yards per catch. His consistent performance has made him a key player on the Patriots' offense, contributing significantly over four seasons with 199 receptions, 2,205 yards, and 19 touchdowns.

The rankings, compiled by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, are based on insights from various executives, coaches, and scouts, emphasizing the relevance of collective industry opinions. While Henry's individual stats demonstrate his ability to contribute, the lack of a top-10 ranking may reflect the overall competitiveness of the tight end position in the NFL. As fantasy football enthusiasts prepare for the next season, Henry remains a player to watch for potential value, especially if the Patriots' offensive strategies evolve.

Fantasy managers looking to bolster their tight end options in 2025 have plenty of promising candidates to consider. Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders had an impressive rookie season, leading all tight ends with 153 targets and securing the TE1 position in PPR formats. His high target share, combined with an improved quarterback in Geno Smith, suggests a repeat performance is within reach.

Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals is another standout, boasting a 29.3% target share and averaging 15.6 PPR points per game, making him a reliable TE1 option. T.J. Hockenson, returning from injury, shows potential to regain his pre-injury form, especially in the Vikings' offense. Lastly, Evan Engram moves to the Denver Broncos with expectations of being a significant contributor in an offense that could utilize him in a versatile role. With a deeper tight end pool this season, drafting these players may pay dividends for fantasy teams.

In the realm of fantasy football, tight ends can be a game-changer, and this season's top performers are no exception. Highlighting five elite tight ends who have been crucial in league-winning efforts, fantasy managers are clamoring to snag talents like Travis Kelce, who continues to redefine the position with exceptional receiving skills and a high target share. Meanwhile, Mark Andrews remains a key player for Baltimore, showcasing a reliable connection with Lamar Jackson.

Other notable mentions include T.J. Hockenson, whose ability to stretch the field and find the end zone makes him a must-start, and George Kittle, whose dynamic play has kept him in the conversation among the elite despite injuries. Lastly, Dallas Goedert has emerged as a cornerstone in Philadelphia’s offense, providing consistent points week in and week out. Fantasy managers should prioritize these players in their lineups as they push for playoff positioning.

Hunter Henry, entering his 10th NFL season in 2025 and fifth with the New England Patriots, has been a consistently reliable tight end since being drafted in the second round by the San Diego Chargers in 2016. Over his nine-year career, Henry has played at least 12 games in eight seasons, averaging 56 receptions for 646 yards and six touchdowns per year. In 2024, he achieved career-best numbers with 97 targets, 66 receptions, and 674 yards, showcasing his pivotal role within the Patriots’ offense. As he prepares for the 2025 season, Henry will have the chance to build chemistry with rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who will be looking to leverage Henry's experience and skill set to enhance the Patriots' passing game.

Hunter Henry has consistently demonstrated flashes of fantasy potential over his nearly decade-long NFL career, notably achieving top-two fantasy tight end status thrice in the past two seasons. Despite facing increased target competition from newly acquired Stefon Diggs, Henry remains a viable option in fantasy leagues. His performance history shows promise with a career-high nine touchdowns in a standout season but also highlights periods of inconsistency, particularly in 2022.

Throughout the last few seasons, Henry has oscillated between being a top-tier tight end and a mid-range performer. His average fantasy points have fluctuated, indicating a mixed bag of performance. The New England Patriots' roster changes, including new coaching staff under Mike Vrabel and the addition of Diggs, may impact his target share. However, Henry's role as a lead tight end should remain intact, as he navigates a competitive tight end landscape with Austin Hooper. While he can serve as a solid bye week replacement, expectations should be tempered considering his age and the influx of new talent.