Eli Raridon

Eli Raridon News

Patriots Hoping Rookie Eli Raridon Can Contribute Immediately

Jordy McElroy of Patriots Wire writes that the New England Patriots are "desperately clinging to hope" that rookie third-round tight end Eli Raridon "can contribute right out of the gate" in 2026. If Raridon doesn't look like he can handle TE2 duties behind starter Hunter Henry in training camp this summer, it "wouldn't be a surprise" to see the Patriots bring in a veteran at the position to boost the competition. As of right now, McElroy lists Raridon as the No. 2 TE behind Henry, with Tanner Arkin, Jack Westover, and CJ Dippre behind him. Raridon, 22, is a versatile option at the position with the ability to be a solid receiver and blocker. He has a clear path to rookie-year snaps with Julian Hill (knee) going on season-ending Injured Reserve and with Austin Hooper leaving in free agency to sign with the Atlanta Falcons. The 6-foot-6, 245-pounder needs to improve his blocking, but if he can do that, he could have a meaningful role in 2026. And if Henry were to go down with an injury, Raridon would gain lots of steam off the waiver wire in all fantasy football leagues.

Jul 8, 2026 6:51 AM EST

Eli Raridon's Dynasty Stock Rising Following NFL Draft

After recording 32 receptions for 482 yards and zero touchdowns across 12 games as a senior at Notre Dame in 2025, tight end Eli Raridon was selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. Raridon is considered a developmental prospect as a receiver but offers three-down potential and graded out as a solid athlete relative to his position at this year's Draft Combine. The Patriots have veteran Hunter Henry firmly atop their tight end depth chart, which could limit Raridon's fantasy upside as a rookie. However, Raridon should be the favorite to earn the TE2 role in New England. With Henry entering his age-32 season in 2026, Raridon could emerge as the tight end of the future for the Patriots if he holds his own in his first NFL season. Raridon is unquestionably a tight end name worth monitoring for dynasty managers heading into 2026.

May 2, 2026 11:25 AM EST

Patriots Select Tight End Eli Raridon With 95th Overall Pick

The New England Patriots selected Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon with the 95th overall pick late in the third round in the 2026 NFL draft on Friday evening. All four of Raridon's collegiate seasons came with the Fighting Irish, and he accumulated 48 catches for 623 yards and only three touchdowns in his 40 total games. The 22-year-old dealt with some knee injuries early in his collegiate career, but he was healthy in his junior and senior seasons and had 32 receptions for a career-high 482 yards in 12 games in 2025, although he didn't score a single touchdown. At the very least, the 6-foot-6, 245-pounder will give young quarterback Drake Maye a big target in the passing attack next to Hunter Henry after Austin Hooper left in free agency this offseason. Raridon should enter his rookie season as the TE2 in New England behind Henry as the Pats look to get back to the Super Bowl. Raridon is developing as a pass-catcher. He won't be on the fantasy radar in redraft leagues unless Henry misses time with an injury.

Apr 24, 2026 7:08 PM EST