The New England Patriots needed a reliable blocking tight end, and undrafted rookie Tanner Arkin is already filling that gap. Just seven practices into training camp, Arkin has secured enough first-team reps to look like the solution for the final roster spot in August. Head coach Mike Vrabel sees the progress clearly, noting that the rookie has “learned what to do quickly” while going against top defensive linemen. It isn’t a slow grind; it’s an immediate impact that changes the team’s depth chart before the season even starts.
Vrabel Sees Rare Speed
Most young players slow down when the playbook gets heavy, but Arkin is moving in the opposite direction. According to Pats Pulpit, Vrabel praised the Illinois product for his competitive spirit and physicality during drills against Dre’Mont Jones and Elijah Ponder. The coach specifically highlighted how Arkin avoids overthinking, a common trap for rookies facing a complex install. “Just the learning each and every day,” Vrabel said before Saturday’s practice when asked about the rookie’s development. That consistency in learning is exactly what a team needs when a veteran like Julian Hill lands on injured reserve due to a knee injury.
Arkin is blocking, and he is showing up as a receiving option too. During the last two practices, Drake Maye connected with him wide open in the flat after a play-action fake. The rookie added yards after the catch, proving he can be a dual threat. This versatility makes him a hard player to cut, especially with the team looking to improve its offense in 2026 after a Super Bowl appearance just six months prior.
A Smart Path to the Roster
Arkin’s journey to Foxborough wasn’t the traditional draft-night call many players dream of. He went undrafted despite a 79.5 run-blocking grade on Pro Football Focus in his final college season. Yet, he and his agents chose New England over other offers because of the “awesome team” culture. “I think for me, it’s taking it bit by bit, piece by piece,” the 23-year-old said about his approach to mastering the playbook. He credits tight ends coach Coach Brown for breaking down the install in great detail, which allows him to learn at a quick pace.
With Julian Hill out for the season, the door is wide open for Arkin to lock down the job. The coaching staff is giving him the reps to prove he belongs. “There is just trying to have a plan for everybody and try to finish this third day off really well,” Vrabel noted regarding the practice structure. The plan seems to be working. If Arkin keeps this up, he will be a starter by Week 1.
