After the New England Patriots secured a Super Bowl appearance just six months ago and put together an offseason highlighted by key additions, it’s difficult to find vulnerabilities on a roster poised for improvement in 2026.
However, with multi-year free-agent signing Julian Hill placed on season-ending injured reserve in the spring due to a knee injury, the Patriots need a blocking tight end for their final roster in August.
Just seven practices into training camp, undrafted tight end Tanner Arkin
looks equipped for that role as the number of his first-team reps increases.
“Just the learning each and every day,” head coach Mike Vrabel said before Saturday’s practice when asked what about Arkin has impressed him. “The competitive spirit, going against [Dre’Mont Jones] and Elijah [Ponder], trying to block, be consistent and be physical.
“He’s learned what to do quickly. I think sometimes, young players, when things start to pile on, they can slow down because they’re thinking a little bit. I haven’t seen that, so hopefully that continues.”
The Illinois product is currently mixing snaps between the first- and second-team offenses. With Drake Maye’s unit, he lines up as an in-line blocker, where he’s also been found as a receiving option during the last two practices.
On Saturday, Maye connected with Arkin wide open in the flat, as the rookie leaked out of the formation off a play-action delayed route and added some yards after the catch.
“I think for me, it’s taking it bit by bit, piece by piece,” the 23-year-old said after practice about how he studies the playbook. “I think [the coaches] do a good job with each install, kind of breaking it down … Coach Brown, my tight end coach, coaches in such a great amount of detail that allows me to learn at a quick pace.”
Following his final season with the Fighting Illini in 2025, Arkin declared for the NFL draft, entering the pre-draft process known for his physicality as a run blocker — a trait he said he takes pride in. Arkin achieved a 79.5 run-blocking grade on Pro Football Focus that year.
Still, without hearing his name called on draft night, Arkin’s journey to the league wasn’t a traditional one. The Fort Collins, Colo., native had interest from a couple of franchises, but he, his family and agent collectively agreed that New England was the best option.
Arkin added that he’s thankful for the chance to land with such an “awesome team” that possesses a “great” team culture.
“It’s been going great,” Arkin said about his experience during the summer sessions. “You know, it’s kind of surreal to be here at the pro level, and just to be able to get this opportunity is amazing. So, I’m just taking it day by day and really soaking it in, trying to get better.”
As the tight end works to improve and secure a spot on the final roster, 31-year-old Hunter Henry, entering his 11th season, has been a resource for Arkin as he acclimates to an NFL environment in Foxboro.
“Hunter’s awesome,” Arkin said. “I’ve been watching him for years. He’s such a great tight end, and he’s been around the league. He’s a man of great character. And just to have a guy like that in the room has been great to have a few conversations and just watch what he does on a day-to-day basis and learn from that.”
Henry also praised Arkin for his effort and development, noting the UDFA has been performing well.
“Tanner’s doing a lot of good things,” Henry said Saturday on what he’s seen from Arkin this offseason. “Every day, [he’s] plugging away, doing a lot of mixing in there with us on the [first team] and the [second team]. Wherever he can earn a role, he’s just trying to do as much as he can, and he’s doing a lot of good things.”
