The New England Patriots are going to need to improve their offense from a season ago if they want to keep pace with the rest of the high-powered AFC, particularly the AFC East. Teams like the Bills, Dolphins, Chiefs, and Bengals have a ton of offensive firepower.
The Pats do have a stud running back in Rhamondre Stevenson, but outside of that, they don't really have anyone that classifies as a "star" on that side of the ball. One position that is likely to be heavily involved in their offensive attack in 2023 is tight end. Veteran Hunter Henry must play a key role in their success this year if the team wants to compete for a playoff spot.
Will Hunter Henry be a top-12 fantasy tight end in 2023? Where should you draft him? Let's take a closer look at the numbers.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Is Hunter Henry A Top-12 Fantasy Football Tight End In 2023?
Let me make this quick and painless. Henry is not one of the top-12 fantasy tight ends in 2023. That being said, he does offer some value and could provide depth as a late-round selection or a waiver wire add during the season.
Last year, Henry was mediocre at best, recording 41 receptions for 509 yards and just two touchdowns. What has made the big pass catcher so valuable in fantasy during the course of his career has been his ability to be a threat in the red zone and catch touchdown passes. Two seasons ago, he was able to secure a much more respectable nine touchdown receptions from quarterback Mac Jones. He hopes to get much closer to that number starting this September.
One obstacle that stands in the way of regaining his form, however, is new tight end Mike Gesicki. The former Miami Dolphin is also a serious red zone threat. With his great size and hands, he will very likely vulture some targets and TDs away from Henry.
Should You Draft Hunter Henry In Fantasy Football?
There is no arguing that the tight end position in fantasy is unquestionably the thinnest of all the roster spots. There are a limited number of quality players from which to draft, and finding the right one can be a difficult challenge. If you aren't able to select the likes of stars Travis Kelce, George Kittle, Mark Andrews, or T.J. Hockenson early in your draft, don't bother reaching for anyone else until the late rounds.
The names just listed will, in all likelihood, provide you with serious production at a position that has only one opening on each roster in most leagues. The rest of the crop each season is usually thin with power players, and 2023 is no exception.
The Patriots have no stars at wide receiver, and Henry just might be their most talented pass catcher. That's the good news. The bad news is that Mac Jones is no Patrick Mahomes, and the Pats' offense in 2023 probably won't be anything to write home about.
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