Hunter Henry knows what it’s like to be a Day 2 draft pick.
After being selected 35th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft by the then-San Diego Chargers, Henry joined a tight end room that featured future Hall of Famer Antonio Gates and veteran Sean McGrath.
Sharing that room proved to be a valuable experience early in his career. Now, with the Patriots selecting tight end Eli Raridon on Day 2 of this year’s draft, Henry hopes to pay it forward now as the veteran.
“I’m always trying to be a leader. I had
some good vets when I was young, obviously, with Antonio Gates and some guys like Sean McGrath is another guy that comes to mind,” Henry said on Tuesday. “Those guys really helped me come along. Sometimes it wasn’t even what they said. It was just watching how they process things and how they went about their business, and handling everything. It really taught me what was to kind of be in this league.
“So really, hopefully [Raridon] can come alongside and just watch that process. Obviously, I’m going to be there for him.”
Entering his 11th NFL season, Henry has remained a productive piece for the Patriots’ offense. He is coming off a season in which he posted a career-high 768 receiving yards, while his 60 catches were the second-most of his career behind the 2024 season. His seven touchdowns were also this highest total since 2021.
With Henry and free agent Julian Hill, who is best known for his work in the run game, atop the tight end depth chart, Raridon will have the opportunity to ease into his role as a rookie before potentially taking on a larger role down the line.
“Hunter Henry is someone I haven’t studied his game, but really like,” Raridon said after being selected. “I know he’s a great player, great person, heard great things about him and I’m really excited to learn under him.”
Henry, meanwhile, is looking forward to the new-look tight end room.
“We try to have a close-knit tight end in the room,” he said. “What a blessing it is to get drafted and we’re excited to add him to the room. He can bring a lot of value and excited to meet him and excited about having him here.”
