TE Tanner Arkin (Illinois)

6’4 265lbs # 84

The media darling of the 2026 UDFA class (shout out to Taylor Kyles! For being one of the first ones high on this UDFA signing) With much buzz around the TE3 spot opening after the loss of free agent addition Julian Hill to a season-ending injury in the spring. Fans are hoping the Patriots can quickly fill that opening through another free agent TE… they may already have who they’re looking for in Tanner Arkin.

Excellent blocking TE and has shown flashes in the passing game, so there’s untapped potential in that element of his play style. Tanner Arkin was a two-time captain alongside fellow teammate Gabe Jacas. Players and coaches commended his leadership and influence in the room and his efforts in the weight room to keep pushing his teammates and in the film room to keep his teammates mentally sharp for their games. Tanner Arkin’s career stats in his 3 years at Illinois and his 2 years at Colorado State include 45 career receptions, 351 receiving yards, and 6 career touchdowns while averaging 7.8 yards per reception.

Arkin the 23-year-old, was born in Wisconsin and moved to Fort Collins, Colorado as a child. In high school played LB, and TE; unfortunately, he battled numerous collarbone injuries back-to-back years missing a significant amount of time. In his senior year broke his fibula despite the severity of the injury, he continued to play through it, displaying his toughness and willingness to help his team. Despite the injuries surrounding him in high school, after impressing collegiate scouts he received an offer from Colorado State, close to home, close to his family. The offer came as a surprise with limited tape available. It was his size, his football IQ, his versatility, and his toughness that earned him that offer.

Once in college, Arkin remained healthy throughout his collegiate career, erasing the injury bug surrounding him in high school. At Colorado State, Arkin started in 12 games his redshirt freshman year. He decided after that season to make the transition to a team in need of his services that could elevate his collegiate career, to get more attention from the NFL, and transfer to Illinois. It was his time at Illinois where he established himself as one of the best inline blocking TEs in college, he earned captain status twice, and now holds second place for the most starts from a TE at the University of Illinois.

Where I can see Arkin’s role if he were to make this team would be filling the TE3 role primarily serving as a blocker where he’s showcased his best ability. As mentioned earlier I do believe there is room for improvement in his receiving work and would like to see what he can do with more targets. As a pure inline TE there's a ton of opportunities for block-and-release style plays, to deceive the defense and open up the passing game for both Drake and himself.

He’s pretty much a consensus favorite among Boston sports media as most likely to make the team for the need at TE depth. Long-term, Hunter Henry is in the final year of his contract. There is a world where he impresses enough and shows he can be involved in the receiving game and becomes a reliable target opposite Eli Raridon creating a solid young TE duo of the future. I’ll be looking to see whether or not Arkin can continue to grow as a receiver, and evaluate if he can improve his separation from coverage, his route running/route tree, and if he can become more of a weapon after the catch in training camp and preseason games. Regardless, his abilities as a blocker are outstanding and you can never have enough protection on the field.

All eyes are on Tanner Arkin this summer and not discrediting his camp competition, this feels like his job to lose. Best of luck, Tanner Arkin!