When you think about New England Patriots tight ends, one name comes to mind. But other great tight ends have played for the Patriots throughout the franchise’s history, including a few who predate the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady era.
But who are the best Patriots tight ends of all time? We ranked the top five, along with three honorable mentions.
5 Best Patriots Tight Ends of All Time
Honorable mentions: Daniel Graham, Aaron Hernandez, Hunter Henry, Lin Dawson, Marv Cook
5) Jim Whalen (1965-1970)
Receiving yards: 2,487
Catches: 153
Receiving TDs: 17
Ask old-time (Boston) Patriots fans about Jim Whalen.
He led the franchise in 1967 and 1968. Whalen also ranks seventh among Patriots tight ends in catches, fourth in yards, and eighth in touchdowns. He was an all-around tight end who earned first-team All-Pro honors in 1968. It would be easier to put a recent Patriots tight end in this spot, but Whalen deserves to be in the top five.
4) Ben Watson (2004-2009; 2019)
Receiving yards: 2,275
Catches: 184
Receiving TDs: 20
A first-round pick in 2004, Ben Watson arguably didn’t maximize his potential in New England. Injuries played a role, as did the fact that Brady had better options in the passing game, especially during the late 2000s.
Nevertheless, Watson was a freakishly athletic dual-threat tight end — great in the passing game and rock-solid as a blocker. His best season came in 2006 when he posted 49 catches for 643 yards and three TDs. Watson also won a Super Bowl in 2004.
That said, his finest moment came in a playoff loss when he submitted one of the best plays in Patriots history.
3) Russ Francis (1975-1980; 1987-1988)
Receiving yards: 3,157
Catches: 207
Receiving TDs: 28
The original great Patriots tight end, Russ Francis was New England’s top pass-catching threat in the late 1970s. The three-time Pro Bowler ranks fourth among Patriots tight ends in catches, third in yards, and third in touchdowns. Francis also went on to enjoy a successful post-NFL career as a professional wrestler.
2) Ben Coates (1991-1999)
Receiving yards: 5,471
Catches: 490
Receiving TDs: 50
Some believe Ben Coates should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And while that point is up for debate, what’s not debatable is that Coates is the second-best tight in Patriots history.
He ranks second among New England tight ends in catches, yards, and touchdowns. With Drew Bledsoe as his quarterback, Coates earned five Pro Bowl nods and two first-team All-Pro selections. If it weren’t for Shannon Sharpe, Coates probably would be considered the best tight end of the 1990s.
Coates didn’t win a championship in New England, but he spent the final season of his career winning a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens.
1) Rob Gronkowski (2010-2018)
Receiving yards: 7,861
Catches: 521
Receiving TDs: 79
Rob Gronkowski is the greatest tight end in NFL history. When he was healthy, he arguably was the most unstoppable weapon in the league.
Of course, Gronkowski wasn’t always healthy. He missed a lot of games over his nine seasons with the Patriots, which complicates the debate. So, too, does how his New England career ended: a year in retirement before a forced trade to Tampa Bay.
Nevertheless, Gronkowski was a freak for the Patriots. He ranks fifth in franchise history in catches (521), second in yards (7,861), and first in touchdowns (79). He won three Super Bowls with the Patriots (although he didn’t play in one) and was a four-time first-team All-Pro. When you watched him, you knew you were watching a generational talent.
Furthermore, Gronkowski was tough as nails and an excellent blocker. He was the ultimate football player.