The Patriots are looking at tight end in this draft, and they should be. New England's current TE room has Hunter Henry anchoring the position, but the depth behind him—Jack Westover, CJ Dippre, Julian Hill, Marshall Lang, and Austin Hooper—doesn't scream confidence for long-term flexibility. That's where Max Klare from Ohio State enters the picture. The 2026 tight end class is loaded, and Eliot Wolf's front office appears ready to add depth or eventually transition away from aging veterans at the position.
Klare caught our attention in the Big Ten Championship game against Indiana, showing the kind of movement efficiency and ball skills you want to see from a college tight end. He's the type of prospect who could develop into a reliable receiving weapon—which, frankly, is what modern NFL offenses demand from the position. Mike Vrabel's system values versatility, and if Klare can contribute in both the passing game and as a chess piece on the field, he fits the mold.
Here's the reality check: New England doesn't need to rush into this decision. Hunter Henry still has gas in the tank, and the Patriots have bigger roster gaps to address. But grabbing a TE early enough to let him develop while sitting behind an established veteran? That's smart asset management. The strong talent pool at the position means the Patriots can afford to be patient and selective, rather than reaching for a need that won't be urgent for another season or two.
Klare won't be a first-round lock, but he has the production pedigree and the scheme fit that would make sense if he's available in Day 2. This isn't sexy, but it's the kind of forward-thinking roster building that actually wins football games down the line.
Based on reporting from Pats Pulpit.