The tight end position has become a critical piece for many of the NFL’s best offenses. Two-tight end sets were common in 2024, and they could be even more popular in 2025 as teams across the league embrace a throwback approach.
The New England Patriots could be among those teams with veterans Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper in Josh McDaniels’ offense. They ran plenty of two-tight-end sets during Thursday’s training camp practice, which caught the attention of NBC Sports Boston Patriots insider Phil Perry.
After the session, Perry caught up with Henry for an exclusive Next Pats Podcast interview to get his take on the evolution of the tight end position. Could the tight end resurgence reach another level in 2025?
🔊 Next Pats: Patriots rookie class ALREADY opening eyes in camp | Listen & Subscribe | Watch on YouTube
“I think so,” Henry answered. “There are so many tight ends coming into the league now and so many guys across the league that I have so much respect for that are playing the game at a high level, and really taking the tight end position to another level. So it’s really cool to be able to watch guys across the league just kind of dominate and really elevate the position.”
McDaniels is no stranger to two-tight-end sets. Should we expect a heavy dose of 12 personnel this year?
“We’ll see, man,” Henry said. “I think this is what this time of year is for. Kind of build a role, build our team, what we want to be. You’re able to kind of establish that in these four to five weeks as a team.
“Obviously, we have a lot of time together, and I think we have the personnel to do it. We’re gonna be very multiple. We have a lot of weapons now that we can do different things with different guys. That’s probably what we’ll be about more.”
Also in the episode:
- Where young Patriots sit in their respective pecking orders, and how Drake Maye looks through first two camp practices in Josh McDaniels’ offense.
- Not a great two days for the 2024 draft class, including the absence of Ja’Lynn Polk.
- TreVeyon Henderson and Kyle Williams’ stock is up.
- Pecking order at WR.
- Breaking down emerging trends in the NFL: 2 TE sets.
- Full interview with Hunter Henry.
