The New England Patriots draft class is set to arrive at Gillette Stadium this week, and analysts and experts are beginning to make their career projections. Tight end Eli Raridon is an interesting prospect, and one Patriots insider believes he could have a successful and lengthy career.
Raridon had a career year for Notre Dame in his final season with the program. He recorded 32 patches for 482 yards, averaging 15.1 yards per reception. It was the perfect way to cap off his final collegiate season, and he showed flashes of being an explosive playmaker. Now, he will look to bring the playmaking ability to the NFL.
CLNS Media’s Taylor Kyles made a bold prediction about the tight end, as analysts are beginning to take stock of the Patriots’ rookies.
“I think year 3 or 4 I could see him being a legitimate Pro Bowl quality player…I think at some point in his career he’s gonna be knocking on an All-Pro…What about his game would make you think he’s not?”
Patriots Rookie Had Whirlwind College Career
Raridon had a slow start to his career with the Fighting Irish. He played in five games in his freshman season of 2022 before he suffered a non-contact injury that October. The playmaker was mostly used as a blocker and did not record any official receiving statistics.
He was able to bounce back from his injury in 2023, as he played in seven games. The tight end caught five passes for 51 yards and a touchdown.
By the time his junior year rolled around, his health was better, and he was able to step into a more-defined role in the offense. He was able to tally 11 receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns over the course of 16 games. He made three starts in total.
All of his work leading up to the 2025 season allowed him to set the stage for a productive year. He had several key games throughout the course of the season and started with a bang in the season-opener against Miami. The playmaker had five catches for 97 yards, including a 65-yard reception. One of the other major games of the season for him came on October 11 against North Carolina State. He recorded seven catches for 109 yards.
Patriots Could Be Ideal Development Spot
Now he will look to take the college production and translated to the NFL. He has the verticality and the speed to be able to be a major weapon. This is certainly important for the Patriots’ tight end position, which needs a boost. Hunter Henry is 34 years old, and the Patriots lost Austin Hooper to the Atlanta Falcons in free agency. Even if the Patriots were able to keep Hooper, he, too is 34 years old.
Raridon is the perfect fit for the Patriots right now. He gives the Patriots a player to develop, while also allowing additional room for Henry to play out his career. This was a very low-risk, high-reward draft pick, and it allows the Patriots to develop him. Furthermore, tight ends have always been a focal point in a Josh McDaniels-led offense.
New England is an ideal place for Raridon to continue to develop his skill set. There will undoubtedly be an adjustment period as a rookie. That is to be expected. However, he certainly has the ability and skill set to be an effective player in the National Football League.
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