The New England Patriots just landed a tight end in the NFL Draft unlike any rookie they’ve had in a long, long time. Third-round pick Eli Raridon, rocking jersey number 82, brings a dynamic skillset to Foxborough that’s already turning heads. This isn’t just another guy; his opening day age of 22 and the raw talent he flashes hint at something special.
A Physical Specimen Who Fights Through Anything
Let’s talk about the hard facts on Raridon, because they are legit. This dude stands at 6’6 1/8” and weighs in at a solid 245 lbs. He’s got massive 10 3/4-inch hands, arms stretching 32 3/4 inches, and an 80-inch wingspan. But it’s not just the frame; his athletic numbers are off the charts, too. A 4.62s 40-yard dash is flying for a tight end, paired with a 36-inch vertical and a 10’3” broad jump. His 9.46 Relative Athletic Score screams elite athleticism. This guy was a multi-sport athlete, even lettering in basketball in high school, and it shows in his movement. What’s even wilder is he did all that after tearing his ACL as a high school senior and then again as a freshman at Notre Dame. He played 40 games and started 18 for the Fighting Irish, hauling in 48 passes for 623 yards and three touchdowns, with his most productive year coming in 2025. You just know a player like that has serious grit.
The Complete Package New England Needs
The Patriots grabbed Raridon 95th overall in the third round, and they got themselves a seriously complete tight end. For years, after the legendary Rob Gronkowski in 2010, New England’s tried and failed with early-round TEs like Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene. Raridon is already showing he’s different. He’s got that straight-line speed to torch linebackers up the seam and attack defenses horizontally. He creates subtle separation in his routes and isn’t afraid to fight for contested catches, using his body control and physique to shield defenders. As a blocker, Raridon is all about engaging and keeping his feet moving through contact. He identifies targets well as a move blocker, whether climbing to the second level or shooting across the formation. Coming out of Notre Dame, one of the best tight end developing programs, it’s clear the Patriots have landed a high-end blocker and receiver as a Y-Tight end.
This kid’s journey through injuries to become one of the top tight end prospects available in 2026 says everything you need to know about his drive. Patriots fans should be pumped to watch what Raridon brings to the offense this upcoming season. His combination of size, speed, and willingness to do the dirty work as a blocker could make him a foundational piece for years to come.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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