A third-rounder out of Notre Dame, Raridon will attempt to land some playing time with the Patriots this preseason, but veteran Hunter Henry and new addition Julian Hill will likely force him into a backup job. It's why Raridon will only get taken with a pick between 20th and 35th overall in rookie-only drafts and late in deeper keeper leagues. A massive 6-foot-6, 245-pounder with not-bad 4.62 speed, Raridon broke out as a senior at Notre Dame for 482 yards on 32 scoreless catches. He has just enough speed to outrun most linebackers down the field and can adjust to off-target and back-shoulder throws, plus he's balanced and plays with toughness both as a receiver and as a blocker. Unfortunately, he's not yet a solid route runner and will get caught from behind, plus his blocking technique could use some help. It's possible that he becomes the replacement for Henry, who is scheduled for free agency after this season. In five years with the Patriots, Henry averaged over 9.7 PPR points once (this past year). It wouldn't be an expensive bet to make that Raridon becomes Drake Maye's top TE from 2027 through 2030, but that might not mean a ton for Fantasy.
Fantasy News
Patriots' Eli Raridon: Candidate to contribute early
Rotowire
Raridon will enter training camp with an opportunity to establish himself as the No. 2 tight end behind starter Hunter Henry, Jordy McElroy of USA Today reports.
The Patriots selected Raridon in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and he has a clear path to snaps with Julian Hill (knee) on season-ending IR and Austin Hooper having signed with the Falcons. At 6-foot-6, 245 pounds, the Notre Dame standout possesses the athleticism, speed and catch radius to threaten defenses down the seam and provide Drake Maye with another receiving option. Raridon still needs refinement as a blocker, but a strong training camp could position him for a meaningful rookie-year role. Meanwhile, Henry is positioned to hit free agency in 2027.
... See More... See Less
Patriots' Eli Raridon: Scooped up by Patriots
Rotowire
New England selected Raridon in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 95th overall.
Raridon spent his entire four-year college career with Notre Dame, and he was able to overcome knee injuries in 2022 and 2023 to become a productive starter for the Fighting Irish. He put it all together in 2025 with 32 catches for 482 yards over 12 games, though he did not haul in a touchdown pass. Raridon showed steady improvement as a pass catcher over the course of his college career and has the athletic foundation (6-foot-6, 245 pounds) to establish himself as a large target in the passing game for Drake Maye, though the former will need to work on his blocking ability in order to earn consistent snaps on offense. Hunter Henry is New England's top option at tight end, but with Austin Hooper signing with the Falcons in March, Raridon has a chance to earn the TE2 job, with Julian Hill being his main competition.
