Why NFL Expert Believes This UDFA Is Perfect Fit For Patriots

The Patriots added 18 undrafted free agents after a successful draft weekend, where New England made 11 selections across seven rounds in the 2025 NFL Draft.

NESN.com believes CJ Dippre has the best chance of being retained by New England past training camp, and NFL expert Nick Baumgardner doubled down, stating the Alabama product is the Patriots’ best post-draft find.

“Another player who easily could have been drafted, Dippre (6-4, 256) was a very good run blocker at Alabama and did everything — including playing on special teams — with supreme effort and intensity,” Baumgardner wrote. “He’ll never be a high-volume receiver, but could be an asset for Mike Vrabel in the run game. Also, keep an eye on crafty Eastern Washington WR Efton Chism III.”

Dippre was a two-year starter for the Crimson, averaging 38.2 offensive snaps per game as a blocker in the Tide’s offense. He had zero penalties in 14 games during the 2024 campaign. Dippre ran the third-fastest 40-yard dash (4.69) and had the most bench reps (32) among tight ends at the scouting combine.

He finished third in receptions and yards for the Crimson Tide in 2024 with 21 catches for 256 yards, and appeared in 27 games with 24 starts across two seasons with Alabama.

While Dippre may have the chance of joining the tight end room, he certainly won’t be replacing Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper anytime soon.