The New England Patriots’ tight end room just got tested big time, with Julian Hill out for the season after an offseason workout. That kind of blow forces a team to adapt fast. They brought in two free agents to shore things up, and one of them, Jeremiah Franklin, rocking number 80, is bringing some seriously underrated skills to Foxborough that could make a real difference.
From Undrafted to Unexpected Opportunity
This dude wasn’t exactly a first-round splash, or even drafted at all. Jeremiah Franklin came out of Boston College after a solid career, finishing fifth all-time for tight end receptions at BC with 93 catches for over a thousand yards and six touchdowns. He started 30 games out of 44 appearances for the Eagles, so he’s got experience playing a lot of snaps. But after going undrafted, it took him almost three months to get that pro contract from the Pats, even after hitting up their rookie minicamp. He’s been with New England since 2026, finding his spot on the team.
Why Franklin Matters For This Offense
Here’s why this guy could be a secret weapon for the Patriots. At 6’3″ and 245 lbs, Franklin isn’t the biggest tight end out there, and yeah, his arm length isn’t ideal for an NFL frame. He definitely lacks that exciting athletic profile some scouts drool over. But the dude *blocks*. And he got better every single year in college. We’re talking good core strength, a solid anchor in pass protection, and enough burst to blow up down blocks or hit his spots on zone runs. Plus, he’s got those big hands, snagging short and intermediate passes with a crazy low 3.8% drop rate at BC. He’s versatile too, having lined up all over the place. With Julian Hill sidelined, that kind of consistent blocking and versatility is exactly what the Patriots need to keep their offense moving.
It’s early, and the tight end group is thin with that injury, but Franklin, rocking the number 80, has a real shot to make an impact. Keep an eye on this undrafted gem. His blue-collar blocking could be a huge factor for the Patriots’ offense in the upcoming season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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