Hunter Henry explains why he decided to stay with the Patriots after two rough years
This may shock you, but Hunter Henry likes it here.
The past two seasons for the New England Patriots have most certainly not gone well, and it would be understandable for any player to want to escape the destruction. Trent Brown is on that list. But Henry is not, because he isn’t viewing the past year with any sort of permanence. He’s seeing the big picture. He understands that even if the Patriots don’t improve overnight, they’re not going to go 4-13 every year in perpetuity.
So, Henry decided to re-up with the Patriots for a new three-year deal, cementing himself as a cornerstone tight end and likely team captain. He’s a good player and a consummate professional, and get this, he actually enjoys living in New England. Yes, they exist.
“I just wanted to be here,” Henry said Tuesday. “I’m excited. I love this locker room. I love this area, love this fanbase, love this organization. I’ll just keep reiterating, I wanted to be a part of this. Didn’t like how last year went, didn’t like how the last two years have been, and I wanted to be a part of that change.”
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 07: Tight end Hunter Henry (85) of the New England Patriots celebrates after a touchdown reception in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Since the Patriots didn’t make any significant upgrades among their weapons in free agency or on the trade market, the last hope for that is at the draft. But either way, Henry is going to be counted on as a steadying presence on the offense, a reliable pass-catcher and red zone target for whomever throws him the ball – be it Jacoby Brissett, Bailey Zappe, or a precocious rookie.
Amid the turmoil of 2023, Henry still led the team with six touchdown catches, and could be the leader in the clubhouse to do that again in 2024. But like any good leader would do, he’s taking accountability for the team’s struggles and understanding that improvement is needed across the board.
“There’s a long process ahead of us. We’ve got a lot of work to do,” Henry said. “Obviously we are all excited to be in the building, get to work, but we’ve got a lot of work to do, and I know we’re all focused on that. I know all the guys are, for sure.
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“It’s a time to grow, time to reevaluate and kind of reestablish ourselves, kind of look at ourselves in the mirror and what we can do better and what we can grow on, and come together as a team.”
It goes to show, that just because one year went down the toilet, and because the media and even some fans are relentlessly killing them publicly, doesn’t mean the players inside the building feel the same way. Henry took a breath and looked at his situation rationally, and determined that it wasn’t worth uprooting his life and moving his family just for the mere possibility of a more successful football season.
For the Patriots, who are in a spot that they need to prove worthy of bringing in high-end talent, it’s important to have a guy like Henry on board.
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Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Check out all of Matt’s content.
Resetting the Patriots depth charts between free agency and the draft
With the free agency period seemingly over in Foxboro, the New England Patriots depth charts are worth looking at, as we turn the page to the NFL Draft.
The Patriots ultimately passed on making a high-priced free agent signing outside the organization, although they made a legitimate push to sign wide receiver Calvin Ridley. Instead, the Pats’ “big move” was to retain Mike Onwenu, who is expected to start at right tackle going forward.
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They also preserved their internal depth at wide receiver, tight end, linebacker, and safety, while also making external signings at those same spots. There just wasn’t a major addition that instantly and significantly improved the roster.
The New England Patriots depth charts deserve a fresh look after the team re-signed Michael Onwenu and made several new additions in free agency. (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)
At quarterback, the Patriots signed Jacoby Brissett as a veteran stopgap. As the team’s most expensive signal-caller and the only one with experience working with offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, he’s projected to begin the 2024 season as the starter.
That could very well change, if and when the Patriots select a quarterback with their first selection in the 2024 draft. But it’s also possible that Brissett is locked in for Week 1, and the rookie will sit and develop. Either way, expect that particular depth chart to get a big new addition come late April.
The Latest Patriots Depth Charts
Despite a relatively underwhelming free agency period for the Patriots, just about all the depth charts on the roster have new additions to know about ahead of the draft. It’s becoming more clear which areas the Pats are going to need more urgency to address next month, and which spots appear more-or-less set.
Officially, the Patriots have 68 players on their roster, so they have 22 spots to fill before camp. Most of those will be filled with draft picks and undrafted free agents, with perhaps a handful of spots left over for summer signings.
But for now, the Patriots have only improved their roster on the margins, with the hope of bigger infusions of talent coming at key positions in the draft. So, these depth charts are incomplete. But they’re certainly more-or-less complete as far as free agent additions are concerned.
Let’s take a look at all positional depth charts on the Patriots roster and where they stand…
Quarterbacks
Jacoby Brissett (Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Jacoby Brissett
Bailey Zappe
Nathan RourkeThis group feels like a virtual certainty to get an upgrade, via the first round of the draft. Whether that’s Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy, whomever. Topping the depth chart by the end of the 2024 season should be the guy the Patriots peg as their quarterback of the future.
And considering the team’s desperation for a franchise guy, the rookie will quickly become the long-term starter, barring a total disaster. Brissett will be easy to bench, when the time comes.
The wild card here is Zappe, who had his moments after taking over for Mac Jones down the stretch of 2023, but Zappe didn’t have to accomplish much to improve upon the Jones version of the offense. For now, he’s still in the fold to push the other two guys. Rourke is no more than depth for camp.
Wide Receivers
DeMario Douglas (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
The Patriots have the same problem at the wide receiver position that they’ve had for years, now: no legitimate No. 1. They’ve lacked a clear lead pass-catching dog since the departure of tight end Rob Gronkowski in 2019, and haven’t had it specifically at receiver since Randy Moss.
It hasn’t been for lack of trying, but the Patriots’ drafting, trading, and signing at wide receiver has been marked with a supernatural ineptitude. But the installation of Eliot Wolf and his particular scouting system gives promise that they can land one in the draft. For now, here’s how the Patriots’ receiver depth chart shakes out…
Outside
Kendrick Bourne
Jalen Reagor
Tyquan Thornton
Kayshon BoutteInside
DeMario Douglas
JuJu Smith-Schuster
K.J. Osborn
T.J. Luther
Kendrick Bourne (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Bourne is hard to project. He’s been productive when on the field for the Patriots, but will be coming off an ACL tear in 2024. Reagor, meanwhile, started to occasionally pop for big plays on the perimeter, in addition to explosive moments as a returner.
Thornton is a bit of a wild card. He showed promise during his first camp and had his moments as a rookie, but like most of the offense went way backward in 2023. Frankly, he shouldn’t be counted on in any capacity entering a pivotal 2024.
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On the inside, DeMario “Pop” Douglas was one of the few Patriots to emerge as a difference-making talent in 2023. Unfortunately, Douglas’ lack of size makes him a pure slot receiver, and his status as a pure slot receiver will ultimately limit his overall impact on the offense.
The Pats are stuck with Smith-Schuster, for now, since he’s due $7 million in guaranteed money. Might as well keep him and see if he can stay healthy and improve upon a trying first season in New England. Osborn represents solid veteran depth and durability over the middle of the field.
Tight Ends
Dec 7, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Hunter Henry
Austin Hooper
La’Michael PettwayThe Patriots have a good veteran foundation at this position, which makes it less urgent to add to the room in the draft. That doesn’t mean the Pats won’t bring in a rookie to work behind Henry and Hooper; developmental prospects like Michigan’s A.J. Barner or Illinois’ Tip Reiman could be solid day-3 targets.
But for the coming season, Henry clearly leads the way as a team captain and their touchdown reception leader in 2023. Hooper, meanwhile, has experience working in Alex Van Pelt’s offense in Cleveland. Pettway projects as a practice squad player.
Offensive Line
Mike Onwenu; Bailey Zappe (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
Lost in the very understandable concerns about the Patriots’ short-term and long-term prospects at key spots is that their offensive line as a whole is not bad. Onwenu is staying in the fold at right tackle, while cornerstone David Andrews remains at center and the guard spots are reasonably solidified, with the overdrafted-but-solid Cole Strange on the left and emerging sophomore Sidy Sow on the right.
Starters
LT Chukwuma Okorafor
LG Cole Strange
C David Andrews
RG Sidy Sow
RT Mike OnwenuThe obvious concern, however, is at the most premium spot on the line at left tackle. The Patriots reportedly believe internally that free-agent addition Chukwuma Okorafor could fill that spot, so we’re projecting him there for now.
Chukwuma Okorafor (Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)
But Okorafor has been a right tackle throughout his NFL career, so ideally, the Pats find an option for left tackle in the draft. However, based on the way the 2024 class shakes out, they’ll probably have to take one around their second-round spot at No. 34 overall.
Backups
T Calvin Anderson
T Vederian Lowe
T Conor McDermott
T Andrew Stueber
T Tyrone Wheatley Jr.
G Nick Leverett
G Atonio Mafi
C Jake AndrewsThe story doesn’t get any more promising at tackle when you go over a deep but uninspiring group of backups. The Patriots generally just have bodies, here, as opposed to any realistic answers for a starter.
Veteran Calvin Anderson, however, never had a real opportunity after an illness derailed his camp, so perhaps he could become a serviceable stopgap with a full bill of health.
On the interior, they’re in better shape with sophomore Atonio Mafi and free-agent signing Nick Leverett, while second-year center Jake Andrews has a chance to become the long-term replacement for Andrews when he’s done playing.
Running Backs
Rhamondre Stevenson (David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)
Rhamondre Stevenson
Antonio Gibson
Kevin Harris
JaMycal Hasty
Ke’Shawn VaughnStevenson remains the clear lead back for the Patriots offense, but he’s also entering his contract year. Gibson should complement Stevenson well as a versatile change-of-pace back, while Harris has at times flashed some burst as a power runner.
Considering Stevenson’s uncertain future, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Patriots targeted a running back with a day-3 draft pick or undrafted free agent.
Defensive Line
Christian Barmore (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The biggest change in this group is actually on the coaching staff. With DeMarcus Covington promoted to defensive coordinator, the Patriots brought in former Packers assistant coach Jerry Montgomery to coach up the defensive line. As for the players, here’s how the depth charts break down for now…
Defensive End
Deatrich Wise Jr.
Keion White
William Bradley-KingDefensive Tackle
Christian Barmore
Davon Godchaux
Daniel Ekuale
Sam Roberts
Armon Watts
Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
Trysten Hill
Oct 29, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Keion White (99) reaches for the pass of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
As you can see, the Patriots are replete with interior defenders, as they’ve most often played with only three, sometimes even TWO down linemen on defense. Barmore is the obvious anchor and a candidate to get a big extension.
Godchaux, Ekuale, and Roberts are the Bill Belichick holdovers who are projected to rotate in for various roles. Godchaux is more of a run-stopper, while Ekuale can occasionally make plays as a pass-rusher.
On the ends, Wise is a mainstay who will certainly have his moments in the right matchups, while White flashed as a rookie and has the potential to emerge as an impact player. It’ll be interesting to see how this group is coached and deployed, since the personnel will largely be the same as last year.
Linebackers
L-R: Matthew Judon, Ja’Whaun Bentley (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Patriots have had a surprisingly active off-season at the linebacker position. They made one notable free-agent addition in Sione Takitaki, and in arguably the biggest surprise so far, they re-signed Josh Uche to an affordable one-year deal.
Inside Linebacker
Ja’Whaun Bentley
Jahlani Tavai
Sione Takitaki
Marte Mapu
Joe Giles-HarrisOutside Linebacker
Matthew Judon
Anfernee Jennings
Josh Uche
Ja’Whaun Bentley (Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
They’re pretty well-set at the top of the respective depth charts, with Judon expected to return as an impact guy on the edge, and Bentley anchoring the middle of the field. Takitaki comes in as a likely replacement for the loss of Mack Wilson.
The Pats also know what they’re going to get with the versatile Tavai, the explosive Uche, and the well-rounded Jennings. The wild card is Mapu, who is more of a linebacker-safety hybrid who has yet to carve out a clearly defined role. But linebacker is not much of a concern, overall.
Cornerbacks
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 01: Christian Gonzalez #6 of the New England Patriots attempts to tackle Michael Gallup #13 of the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Of all the positional groups on the defense, cornerback is the one that is sneakily an area of need. The Patriots released J.C. Jackson before the start of free agency, leaving a clear opening at the No. 2 outside cornerback spot opposite Christian Gonzalez.
Jackson could very well return on a prove-it deal, but either way, the Pats would be wise to address cornerback either with a late-stage free agent or draft pick. Here’s what the depth charts look like right now…
Outside
Christian Gonzalez
Shaun Wade
Alex Austin
Isaiah Bolden
Azizi HearnInside
Jonathan Jones
Marcus Jones
Marco Wilson
L-R: Bills QB Josh Allen, Patriots CB Jonathan Jones (Getty Images)
The wild card here is Jonathan Jones, who has played a lot on the outside over the past two seasons, but in large part out of necessity. He remains best suited as an inside guy. But if Marcus Jones or Marco Wilson can emerge as consistently viable options against slot receivers, that could free up the veteran to continue playing on the boundary.
Gonzalez needs to prove he can stay healthy for a full season, but it’s already clear that when he’s on the field, he has a limitless ceiling as a cover corner. The 2023 first-round pick is one of the few long-term pieces on the team to really feel good about going forward.
Safeties
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 24: Allen Lazard #10 of the New York Jets is tackled by Kyle Dugger #23 of the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium on September 24, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Kyle Dugger
Jabrill Peppers
Joshuah Bledsoe
Jaylinn Hawkins
Brenden SchoolerThis group is a bit of an enigma. Peppers emerged as a playmaker for the Patriots’ secondary in 2023, but he stands as probably the only sure thing on the roster.
That’s because Dugger’s contract is an uncertainty, as he’s yet to sign his transition tag tender. He could still find a new deal elsewhere, which the Patriots could match. At the same time, the Pats can still rescind the tag until it’s signed, or reach a long-term agreement with Dugger.
Bledsoe will likely be counted on for a bigger role if the Patriots lose Dugger. Hawkins, meanwhile, is in line to play a traditional free safety role, which the team has lacked since the retirement of Devin McCourty. Schooler will be a core special teamer if he stays on the roster.
Special Teams
DENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 24: Place kicker Chad Ryland #37 of the New England Patriots celebrates with punter Bryce Baringer #17 after kicking a field goal in the final seconds of the 4th quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on December 24, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
K Chad Ryland
P Bryce Baringer
LS Joe CardonaRyland surely got a confidence boost when he hit a game-winning field goal against the Broncos last season, but he has plenty of room to improve after an erratic rookie season. Baringer, however, settled in as he went along and should be locked in as the punter going forward.
