Rookie tight end Eli Raridon has been absolutely impossible to miss through seven brutal training camp practices for the New England Patriots, blowing up the field and making plays that have everyone talking. After three straight padded practices wrapped up the first grueling week, the team is off on Sunday, but all eyes are still fixed on what Raridon has already shown he can do. This kid is making an early statement, and it’s a loud one.
Maye and the Rookie TE Are Clicking
This guy’s been a pass-catching machine all summer, constantly hitting the seam and shaking off those second-level defenders across the field with ease. We saw it loud and clear on Friday when Raridon snagged multiple passes during 7-on-7s, including a crucial touchdown in the corner of the end zone. The best part? He’s regularly running with Drake Maye and the first-team offense as their No. 2 tight end. Maye himself isn’t holding back on the praise, saying, “He is a big dude, first off, that can run. I mean, that’s pretty cool, and he is smart.” Maye also pointed out Raridon’s Notre Dame background and how that helps him understand both tight end positions so quickly. “I think he is making plays on the football. That’s what you want to see from a young guy, and he is putting the work in,” Maye added. He even gave Raridon props for pushing through fatigue: “That is the biggest thing with a young rookie. You want to see him go out there and take a rep when he is tired and not call for a sub, and he is doing all the things the right way, and I am looking forward to seeing what he does throughout camp. He has been a great player for us and a great dude.” This kind of early chemistry with the starting QB is absolutely massive for a rookie trying to make an impact.
Big Target, Big Opportunity
Even with all this flash, Raridon is still slotted behind veteran Hunter Henry on the depth chart. But that hasn’t stopped him from getting a ton of work, especially with backup quarterback Tommy DeVito. And DeVito clearly loves throwing to him. “Have you seen him? That’s a big target. I bet you’d want to throw to him too,” DeVito joked, highlighting the obvious advantage. He’s clearly impressed with Raridon’s physical gifts and raw potential, adding, “I mean, he’s big, he’s athletic, his confidence is growing. Trying to get more savvy with the offense, like as it’s going.” DeVito knows the rookie grind, having been through a similar situation himself, and he’s focused on keeping Raridon encouraged and pushing forward. “But he’s got awesome hands, he’s got the frame. He’s got everything going for him,” DeVito said, genuinely looking forward to how Raridon performs this year. A quiet spring from Raridon, coupled with a tough season-ending injury to veteran free-agent addition Julian Hill, definitely opened the door for this rookie to grab this opportunity with both hands, even with lingering talk of a potential free-agent addition at the position.
The Patriots get back to work after Sunday’s well-deserved break, and every single rep for Raridon from here on out is huge. Keep a sharp eye on this guy as training camp rolls on; he’s got all the tools and the early momentum to make some serious noise for the Patriots this season.
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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