Undrafted free agents face an uphill fight to a roster spot as rookies. But in the case of unselected tight end Tanner Arkin, he could fit perfectly in the New England Patriots offense.
That’s what SI on Patriots’ Ethan Hurwitz wrote Saturday. Hurwitz formed that argument a day after Arkin addressed how he could fit into Josh McDaniels’ system.
“We use a lot of different personnel,” Arkin said to the media after the Newton North High School’s Juneteenth football clinic. “We use a fullback, multiple tight end sets, and just the history of Coach McDaniels and what how he’s used the tight end in the past, I think it’s a great fit.
“I love playing for him and for the team and it’s been great so far.”
The Patriots signed Arkin as an undrafted free agent this spring. Arkin is one of five tight ends on the New England roster this offseason.
Why Undrafted TE Tanner Arkin Could Fit Perfectly in Patriots Offense
GettyThe New England Patriots signed Illinois tight end Tanner Arkin in undrafted free agency this spring.
As Arkin explained, New England often has a depth player on its roster that lines up at a lot of different spots on offense. The undrafted tight end could be a great match with the Patriots because of his willingness to be that player.
“I think my mindset right now is to do, do everything I can, really,” Arkin said. “I mean, I’m an undrafted rookie. I’ve been given a great opportunity, and I really just need to maximize it and show, show the team and the organization what I’m about, and that’s my plan going forward.”
Arkin began his college career at Colorado State. After two seasons, he transferred to Illinois, where he played from 2023-25.
In 53 college games, Arkin only had 45 catches and 351 receiving yards. But Big Board Lab identified Arkin as an “old-school” tight end with a focus on blocking first.
McDaniels could deploy the undrafted tight end essentially as a sixth offensive lineman or full back on early downs. Big Board Lab, though, also sees Arkin with the skillset capable of making him a decent possession receiver.
Patsfans.com’s Mark Morse commented on the tight end’s lack of speed. But Morse still seems to like what Arkin could bring to the Patriots offense.
“Arkin is a 6-foot-4, 265-pound tight end who started the last two seasons for Illinois. A two-time team captain, he caught 13 passes for 144 yards last year. Arkin ran a very slow 4.88 40-yard dash at his Pro Day,” wrote Morse.
Patriots TE Depth Entering 2026 NFL Training Camp
GettyHead coach Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots could have a perfect fit for their offense in undrafted tight end Tanner Arkin.
Five tight ends is more than what the Patriots will need on their 53-man roster. But not by much.
New England could keep as many as four tight ends after the preseason. Veteran Hunter Henry and rookie third-rounder Eli Raridon are locks at tight end. But after that, the position is wide open.
That’s where Arkin could fit.
“My agent and I had identified that New England was a good spot,” he told reporters. “It’s been great so far and I love it. I’m just blessed for the opportunity.”
Part of why the Patriots have an opening at tight end is Julian Hill’s injury. The $15 million free agent suffered a season-ending injury at the beginning of June.
Rookie 265-Pound TE Speaks out on Potential Role in Patriots Offense