Which Patriots Tight End Has A More Impactful Season, Hunter Henry or Jonnu Smith?

The New England Patriots are a team that has typically had some really good players at the tight end position. `

New England has drafted or signed excellent players like Rob Gronkowski, Ben Coates, Russ Francis, Martellus Bennett, Ben Watson, Aaron Hernandez, and Daniel Graham.

However, the Patriots more or less forgot about the tight end position in 2019 and 2020. In fact, their tight end group ranked last in the league in receptions each of the last two seasons.

Nonetheless, Bill Belichick revamped his tight ends in the offseason by signing the top two tight ends in free agency. Hunter Henry signed a three-year, $37.5 million contract, including $25 million in guarantees. Jonnu Smith signed a four-year, $50 million contract, including $39.25 million guaranteed.

Last season Smith and Henry combined for 1,063 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.

With the start of Patriots Training Camp just two weeks away, it got us (Bobby Thompson and Kevin Tame Jr.) thinking. Which tight end will have a more impactful season? Hunter Henry or Jonnu Smith?? Certainly, both players are expected to be solid weapons in this Patriots offense. Henry’s career numbers are better, but Smith is more dangerous after the catch. So what gives?

Kevin’s Case: Hunter Henry

At 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, Henry is built more like a traditional tight end. With great size like that, he will be a monster in the red zone. As a matter of fact, since he came into the league in 2016, only Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, Gronk, and Zach Ertz have averaged more touchdowns per game. If you recall last season, New England struggled in the red zone and often had to have Cam Newton use his big body to get into the endzone. As a result, Newton ended up with 12 rushing touchdowns, but having Henry’s big body running routes in the endzone should fill the void Gronk left. Henry’s presence alone will make everyone’s life easier.

Excellent Blocker

So with all of this talk about Henry’s pass-catching abilities, it should not be overlooked that he’s also one of the best blocking tight ends in the league. As a matter of fact, Henry’s former Los Angeles head coach, Anthony Lynn, was never shy about complimenting Henry’s blocking.

“I think he’s one of the better combo tight ends in the game. No doubt” said Lynn. “Pass protection, run blocking, and receiving.”

Lynn made that statement while talking to the media about how key blocks from his team’s tight ends and receiving corps allowed his running backs to make big plays against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

A statement like that bodes well for the Patriots. Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels are expected to run a by and large 12 personnel look (1 RB, 2 TEs, 2WRs) this year. Henry should be a great fit.

Belichick Has Always Gushed Over Henry

Henry had been on Belichick’s radar for years. It was obvious after the Patriots played the Chargers last season, and the media took all of those pictures of Belichick and Henry hugging.

Admittedly, in a video conference leading up to that December matchup on the road at SoFi Stadium, Belichick spoke glowingly of Henry:

“Henry continues to be a complete and very, very good football player for them. Henry’s really been a great player. I’ve watched him pretty much his whole career. He started at Pulaski Academy down in Little Rock, played for Coach [Kevin] Kelley down there. Went to Arkansas, and had a great career at Arkansas. He runs a variety of routes. He’s come back off the injury and has been a very, very productive player for them, along with all their other good-skill players. But he’s done a good job for them in the running game as well as the passing game.”

Call me crazy, but to me, that sounds like a head coach who is going to be giving his new tight end every possible chance to succeed and make plays. The opportunities will be there. It will just be on Henry to stay healthy and perform well. As long as New England can score some good quarterback play, the Patriots and Henry should be a match made in heaven.

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Bobby’s Case: Jonnu Smith

It has been no secret that the Patriots have missed having production at the tight end position. Since  Gronk’s retirement in 2019, the team has had the fewest receptions, yards, and touchdowns from tight ends.

 Smith was a major weapon for the Titans the past four seasons. So what does he bring to the Patriot’s offense? I think Jonnu Smith is about to change the offense for the better.

Red Zone Presence

The Patriot’s red zone offense has been at the bottom of the league the past two seasons, ranking 26th in 2019 and 24th in 2020. Jonnu Smith has been one of the best red-zone targets since his arrival to the league in 2017. Last season, Jonnu Smith posted an 88.5 receiving grade in the red zone which was 1st in the NFL and recorded eight touchdowns which was 2nd in the league. I expect Smith’s production to double and see a lot of looks inside the 20-yard line.

Versatility

 Jonnu Smith is a freakish athlete and can be relied on to play many different positions on offense. Smith showcased his versatility by showing he can lineup anywhere. Last season, Smith line up as an outside receiver for 11 snaps, a slot receiver for 148 snaps, and as a running back for 18 snaps. Josh McDaniels and Bill Belichick love players who are versatile, and Jonnu Smith can do it all.

 Playmaking Ability

 Jonnu Smith is a threat to take it to the house every time the ball is in his hands. Since 2017, Smith has averaged 7.1 yards after the catch per reception which is 2nd in the NFL to the 49ers Tight End George Kittle. He ranked 11th among tight ends in yards after the catch last season with 238. Smith’s speed is underrated and he can outrun defenders. His ability to allude tackles is one aspect of his game the Patriots definitely will value.

In 2010, The Patriots reinvented the tight end position when they had Gronkowski use his size and speed to bull through the middle of the field. They also used Aaron Hernandez’s agility and versatility to line up anywhere on offense. Jonnu Smith was signed to replicate what Hernandez brought to this offense years ago. Smith is the perfect chess piece to Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels chessboard. Look for the Patriot’s offense to run through the tight end position just as it did a decade ago, and Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry are about to join the Boston TE Party!

–Kevin Tame Jr. and Bobby Thompson are Staff Writers for Full Press Coverage Sports Media and cover the New England Patriots. Follow them on Twitter @Kevin_Tame and @BThomps81