The New England Patriots selected Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon with the 95th pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 24, 2026.
Why it matters: Raridon's selection continues a strong tradition of tight ends from Notre Dame entering the NFL. He brings potential and versatility to a position where the Patriots are looking to develop depth.
Raridon is the 13th straight primary Notre Dame tight end drafted since 2006, highlighting the program's consistent production at the position.
His selection comes as the Patriots aim to bolster their tight end options, particularly with veteran Hunter Henry in the final year of his contract.
Raridon’s well-rounded skill set could provide the Patriots with a reliable option both as a blocker and receiver.
Driving the news: The Patriots made the move to draft Raridon during the 2026 NFL Draft, which took place on April 24-25. His selection was announced by former Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch.
Raridon turned 22 in February and has played a total of 40 games at Notre Dame, where he demonstrated his ability to contribute on both offense and special teams.
His college career included 48 receptions for 623 yards and three touchdowns, with a notable performance in his senior year, where he recorded 32 catches for 482 yards.
After suffering two ACL tears in his right knee, Raridon showed resilience, not missing any games in his junior or senior seasons.
State of play: Raridon is projected to start as the third tight end for the Patriots in his rookie season, joining a depth chart that includes established players.
Hunter Henry, the current starter, caught a team-high seven touchdowns last season but is entering the last year of his contract with an $11.75 million cap hit.
Alongside Raridon, the Patriots also have Julian Hill, a recent signing known for his run-blocking skills, and undrafted players C.J. Dippre and Marshall Lang.
Raridon’s role will be to develop into a more prominent contributor over time, especially as the team prepares for a potential transition at the tight end position.
The big picture: Raridon’s athletic profile and skill set make him an intriguing addition to the Patriots’ offense.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 245 pounds, Raridon possesses a 36-inch vertical leap and a 10-foot-3 broad jump, which were showcased at the NFL Scouting Combine.
He ran the 40-yard dash in a swift 4.62 seconds, demonstrating his speed and agility—key attributes for a modern tight end.
Raridon's blocking ability is well-regarded, making him a valuable asset in both the running game and passing situations.
What they're saying: Analysts and coaches have highlighted Raridon’s potential as a multi-faceted tight end.
Dane Brugler of *The Athletic* mentioned that Raridon is still developing but has promising ball skills and blocking ability, providing a solid foundation for his NFL career.
Michael Miller noted that Raridon has legitimate three-down potential, with a well-rounded game that can help offenses in both the run game and passing game.
Mark Daniels from *MassLive* pointed out Raridon's traditional in-line tight end skills and willingness to block, which align with the Patriots’ offensive philosophy.
By the numbers: Raridon's statistics and physical metrics paint a picture of a player with considerable upside.
During his college career, Raridon averaged 15.1 yards per reception, indicating his ability to make big plays.
He recorded 184 yards after the catch in 2025, showing his effectiveness in gaining yards beyond the initial reception.
Raridon’s 9.46 Relative Athletic Score ranks him 81st out of 1,471 tight ends tested since 1987, underscoring his athleticism.
What's next: As Raridon transitions to the NFL, he faces the challenge of adapting to the professional game.
He will participate in offseason training activities and training camp, where he will compete for playing time against veteran teammates.
The Patriots coaching staff will focus on developing Raridon's blocking technique and route-running skills to maximize his contributions.
Fans will get their first look at Raridon in action during the preseason, where he will aim to secure a spot on the final roster.
With his combination of size, speed, and skill, Eli Raridon is set to make his mark on the New England Patriots as they look to build a competitive roster for the upcoming NFL season.