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The Shocking Truth About Austin Hooper's Snap Count: Why His 2024 Usage Was A Career Anomaly

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The narrative surrounding Austin Hooper's career usage has drastically shifted, particularly following his 2024 campaign with the New England Patriots. Historically a high-volume tight end, Hooper's snap count percentage in the most recent season became a fascinating case study, highlighting a dramatic change in his on-field role compared to his Pro Bowl years with the Atlanta Falcons.

As of December 20, 2025, the latest data confirms that Hooper's value in New England extended far beyond his receiving statistics, with his snap count reflecting a specialized, dual-threat role in a run-heavy offense. The key takeaway is that while his total snaps were lower than his peak, his efficiency and elite blocking skills made him an indispensable component of the Patriots' two-tight end scheme.

Austin Hooper: Complete NFL Biography and Career Timeline

Austin Manuel Hooper is a veteran tight end known for his reliable hands and versatility, having played for five different NFL franchises since entering the league in 2016. His career trajectory showcases a shift from a primary receiving threat to a high-utility, two-way tight end.

  • Full Name: Austin Manuel Hooper
  • Born: October 29, 1994 (Age 31 as of late 2025)
  • Birthplace: San Mateo, California, USA
  • College: Stanford University
  • NFL Draft: 2016, Round 3, Pick 81st overall by the Atlanta Falcons
  • Career Teams: Atlanta Falcons (2016–2019), Cleveland Browns (2020–2021), Tennessee Titans (2022), Las Vegas Raiders (2023), New England Patriots (2024–Present)
  • Pro Bowl Selections: 2 (2018, 2019)
  • Career Receptions: Over 425 (Ranks among the top 6 tight ends since 2016)
  • Current Status: Re-signed with the New England Patriots for the 2025 season.

The 2024 Patriots Snap Count Breakdown: Hunter Henry's Co-Star

The most critical element of Austin Hooper's 2024 season was his deployment within the New England Patriots' offense, particularly the implementation of a consistent two-tight end package, often referred to as "12 personnel." This scheme involved him sharing the field with fellow veteran tight end, Hunter Henry.

Hooper’s 2024 Snap Count Percentage

During the 2024 regular season, Austin Hooper played in all 17 games, starting 8 of them. His total usage was significantly lower than his career peak, a direct result of sharing the tight end duties.

  • 2024 Total Games Played: 17
  • 2024 Total Receptions: 45 on 59 targets
  • 2024 Total Receiving Yards: 476
  • Estimated Total Offensive Snaps: Approximately 438 snaps.
  • Estimated Overall Snap Percentage: Approximately 34%.

This estimated snap percentage of around 34% is a stark contrast to his primary receiving years. For context, during his Pro Bowl seasons with the Falcons, Hooper’s snap count percentage hovered well above 70%, establishing him as a true every-down player and a top receiving option. The 2024 number clearly defines him as a specialized component, rather than the primary tight end.

The Patriots' offense, which leaned on the two-tight end set at one of the highest rates in the league (around 31.0%), utilized Hooper and Henry in complementary roles. While Henry often took on the higher volume of receiving routes, Hooper's snaps were more crucial in specific situations, especially those requiring elite run-blocking or a reliable, quick-hitting receiving threat.

The Hidden Value: Blocking Grade and Efficiency Metrics

The true story of Austin Hooper's 2024 snap count is not found in the percentage itself, but in the efficiency and quality of those snaps. Hooper’s role evolved into a "Jack-of-All-Trades" skill set, which he was excited to bring to the team, a testament to his experience in multiple offensive systems.

Pro Bowl-Level Blocking Performance

Despite his lower snap count, Hooper was arguably the Patriots' most reliable offensive weapon in 2024, particularly in the trenches. His performance as a blocker earned him elite marks from analytics services:

  • PFF Pass-Blocking Grade: 75.8.
  • Tight End Ranking: Ranked as the No. 6 tight end overall for the 2024 season by PFF (Pro Football Focus).
  • Pass-Blocking Efficiency: He allowed only one pressure all season, achieving an outstanding 97.5 efficiency rate in pass-blocking.

This high-level blocking grade is a phenomenal achievement and explains why the Patriots were keen to re-sign him. His presence on the field, even in a reduced snap count, signaled a commitment to the running game and provided crucial protection for the quarterback, making him a versatile asset for the team's offensive coordinator, Alex Van Pelt, whom Hooper was excited to reunite with.

The Fantasy Football Perspective and Future Outlook (2025)

From a fantasy football standpoint, the reduced snap count and shared role with Hunter Henry significantly capped Austin Hooper’s ceiling. He finished the 2024 season ranked as the TE36, placing him outside the immediate fantasy radar for most leagues.

However, his production on a per-snap basis was respectable. His 45 receptions and 476 yards on a limited number of opportunities demonstrate that he remains a capable pass-catcher when targeted. The key LSI metrics that define his value are:

  • Targets Per Route Run (TPRR): A metric that indicates how often a player is targeted when running a pass route. Hooper's ability to earn targets efficiently on his limited routes is what kept him relevant.
  • Yards Per Route Run (YPRR): This metric was also solid, showcasing his effectiveness despite the lower snap volume.
  • Red Zone Usage: His three touchdowns in 2024 highlight that he was trusted in scoring situations, even with a lower overall snap count.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Hooper’s snap count is expected to remain in the same range, continuing his role as the complementary tight end in the two-TE system. His value to the Patriots is cemented by his versatility and elite blocking, providing a high floor of performance that allows the offense to run multiple personnel groupings without sacrificing protection or run-game integrity. For fantasy players, he remains a "lottery ticket" tight end, needing a Hunter Henry injury or a significant shift in the offensive scheme to see a major spike in his snap count and subsequent receiving volume.

austin hooper snap count
austin hooper snap count

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