The Cincinnati Bengals are getting ready for the NFL Draft, which is now less than three weeks away. There, a major goal is going to be putting talent around quarterback Joe Burrow to help spark the offense.
Among the key positions that Cincinnati needs is tight end. So, it’s not a surprise to see Sports Illustrated‘s Justin Melo link the Bengals to Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Eli Raridon as a potential developmental pick.
“Mike Gesicki is back with the Cincinnati Bengals,” Melo said. “But he’s obviously a temporary solution at tight end. Notre Dame’s Eli Raridon took a nice step forward in 2025, producing 32 receptions for 482 yards (15.1 yards per catch). Raridon is a primary pass catcher, but plays with enough in-line blocking technique to suggest he’s capable of expanding his horizons in the NFL.”
A season ago, Mike Gesicki was the tight end with the highest production for the Bengals. In 13 games, he had 28 receptions for 307 yards and 2 touchdowns. That was fifth overall on the team in receiving yards. Noah Fant ended up having more receptions as a tight end, with 34, but he also had fewer receiving yards at 288 with 3 touchdowns. Other tight ends on the roster included Tanner Hudson, Drew Sample, and Cam Grandy.
Gesicki is returning to the Bengals, but Fant has moved on to the New Orleans Saints. Hudson, Sample, and Grandy are all still listed on the roster as well.
What to know about Notre Dame Fighting Irish Tight End Eli Raridon
GettyNotre Dame tight end Eli Raridon
Eli Raridon is an Iowa native who came to Notre Dame as a four-star recruit in the Class of 2022. Much was expected from him, but he was largely a backup during his first two seasons in South Bend. That was, in large part, because of an ACL injury that he suffered midway through his freshman season. In total, he tore his right ACL twice, in 2021 and 2022.
In his final two seasons at Notre Dame, Raridon would play in 28 games that the Irish were a part of, including their College Football Playoff run in 2024.
For Raridon, his most productive season came in 2025. As a senior, he managed to snag 32 receptions for 482 yards. That was on 15.1 yards per reception. While he didn’t have a touchdown in 2025, he did finish his college career with 3 total touchdowns.
At the NFL Combine, Raridon was measured at 6’ 6’’ and 245 lbs. He would run a 4.62 40-yard dash and put up 20 reps on the bench press. Still seen as a developmental prospect, Raridon is known for his solid blocking ability and projects to be a Y-tight end at the next level.
The Cincinnati Bengals Recently Hosted a Notre Dame Star
GettyNotre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is seen as the top running back prospect and one of the best players available in the entire NFL Draft. As such, he’s taking plenty of visits with teams picking in the Top 10 of the draft. That, recently, included the Cincinnati Bengals.
A recent report from Ian Rapoport shared that Love would be visiting the Bengals. There, he could prove to be the kind of player who helps take the Cincinnati offense to the next level, as he’s expected to make an immediate impact.
Landing Love won’t be easy for Cincinnati. He’s already taken several visits with teams selecting ahead of the Bengals in the draft. So, it would appear that if the Bengals want him, they’re going to need to make a move and trade up.
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