Undrafted Patriots Rookie Earns Roster Spot With Unusual Position Switch
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Tanner Arkin found a creative path onto the New England Patriots’ initial 53-man roster.
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The undrafted rookie arrived as a tight end, impressed as an in-line blocker and then expanded his responsibilities by taking preseason snaps at fullback. That versatility helped Arkin survive Sunday’s roster deadline.
The Patriots kept Arkin alongside Hunter Henry, Eli Raridon and fullback Reggie Gilliam, according to the team’s position-by-position roster breakdown. New England released tight ends C.J. Dippre and Jack Westover.
Arkin began generating attention early in training camp because of his blocking. He eventually received first-team opportunities in early-down and short-yardage packages, an encouraging sign for any undrafted rookie trying to make an NFL roster.
The Patriots then gave him work at fullback during the preseason.
His performance there was not flawless, but it revealed how New England could use him. Arkin can provide depth behind Gilliam, contribute on field goals and kickoff returns and potentially enter the game in run-heavy packages near the goal line or in short-yardage situations. He also gives offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels another option for preserving two-back formations if Gilliam is unavailable.
Tanner Arkin Gives Josh McDaniels Another Movable Piece
Arkin is unlikely to become a major receiving option with Henry and Raridon ahead of him at tight end. His route to playing time will depend on blocking, special teams and his ability to line up in multiple spots. That may sound like a limited role, but it can be extremely valuable for a team trying to maximize every game-day roster position.
The Patriots announce they've released the following players:
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 30, 2026
S Mike Brown
S Eric Butler
G Mehki Butler
OL Jack Conley
CB Brandon Crossley
OL Darrian Dalcourt
WR Nick DeGennaro
CB Marcellas Dial Jr.
TE C.J. Dippre
WR Kyle Dixon
WR Cameron Dorner
LB Amari Gainer
DT Eric Gregory
P…
Keeping a fourth conventional tight end would have been difficult to justify. Keeping a player who can function as a tight end, emergency fullback and special teams blocker is a different proposition.
Arkin’s roster spot also offers another clue about how the Patriots could structure their offense. New England has invested in its running game with Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson and newly acquired Corey Kiner, while the offensive line enters the season with far more stability than it has had in recent years.
MORE: Patriots Cut Unlikely Training Camp Interception Leader After Roster Shakeup
Having Gilliam and Arkin available gives McDaniels the personnel to use heavier formations and force defenses to account for multiple rushing possibilities.
Undrafted players rarely make a roster by remaining one-dimensional. Arkin recognized his opportunity, embraced an unfamiliar assignment and turned it into a job.
Now the Patriots have an intriguing hybrid player whose value may extend well beyond the traditional tight end depth chart.