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Pats Pulpit fantasy football takes on Eli Raridon
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Pats Pulpit about Eli Raridon.
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35
Positive
19
Negative
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All Pats Pulpit insights about Eli Raridon
NegativeRoleOct 27, 2026
Eli Raridon is not yet ready for the high-pressure role the Patriots are trusting him with and continues to struggle with his run-block assignments. As a receiver, Raridon has looked a lot better and continues to find positive matchups against second-level defenders, including on his 30-yard touchdown catch up the seam where the rookie simply ran past his man to get open for the score.PositiveRoleOct 27, 2026
Rookie TE Eli Raridon featured in film breakdown showing positive flashes, indicating development and potential role expansion in Patriots offense.NegativeRoleOct 26, 2026
Eli Raridon played 29 of 54 snaps (54%) as the TE2 behind Hunter Henry. The rookie tight end saw significant playing time in a game where 17 of Drake Maye's 24 completions went to tight ends or running backs.PositiveRoleOct 25, 2026
New England's third-round TE pick has established himself in the offense playing 44% of the offensive snaps as the No. 2 option behind Hunter Henry. Raridon's athleticism has translated to the pros and Josh McDaniels has done a strong job using the tight end on runaway routes to get him on the move. While the coaching staff has been impressed with Raridon's growth as a run blocker, it's expectedly still a work in progress for the rookie. Coach Vrabel noted Raridon blocks better now than in previous exposure and is growing and gaining confidence each day, leaving excitement for the future as he becomes a bigger piece of the offense.NegativeRoleOct 24, 2026
Eli Raridon's performance was mixed on Thursday. Vrabel noted one incompletion Maye "would like to have back," but also praised Maye's overall competitiveness despite the miss. Beyond the passing game, Raridon's run-blocking "continues to be a mixed bag," contributing to the Patriots' broader run-game struggles (3.1 yards per carry, -0.40 EPA per run).NegativeUsageOct 23, 2026
Rookie tight end Eli Raridon was targeted on Drake Maye's second-quarter interception play and later caught a 30-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter on the same play design; the source indicates Maye had confidence in the seam route concept despite the earlier turnover.PositiveBreakoutOct 23, 2026
Eli Raridon looks like the real deal and had another solid game for the Patriots on Thursday. The third-round draft pick is not the best run blocker but can do it; where he really shines is in the passing game, where he was featured on crossing routes and seam passes, one of which went for a touchdown (another would have if Drake Maye put the ball on him instead of on the defender). Hunter Henry remains reliable, but Raridon brings real juice to the tight end room that the Patriots haven't had in quite a while. If he continues to improve, he's going to be a true impact player.PositiveUsageOct 23, 2026
Raridon joined Henry with a productive game, finishing with 3 receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown. A better ball from Maye on the interception in Raridon's direction could have also resulted in another touchdown, suggesting additional upside.PositiveRoleOct 23, 2026
Rookie tight end Eli Raridon caught a 15-yard pass on the opening drive and later received a 30-yard scoring strike down the seam in the third quarter. The third-round target from Notre Dame was part of a tandem at tight end that finished with 10 receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown.PositiveUsageOct 23, 2026
Eli Raridon caught a 15-yard pass from Drake Maye to pick up a first down and close out the first quarter, showing early involvement in the Patriots' passing game.NegativeRoleOct 22, 2026
Eli Raridon is listed as a tight end for the Patriots in Week 7 against the Bears, wearing number 82.PositiveUsageOct 20, 2026
Raridon continued to be heavily involved, playing 39 of 68 snaps (57%) as a starting tight end. He also appeared on special teams and notably recovered an onside kick in the fourth quarter to ice the game against the Jets.NegativeRoleOct 20, 2026
Raridon had ups and downs: he made a nice adjustment on an 11-yard catch in the third quarter but could have held onto a touchdown in the late second quarter; he was also at the point of attack on a pair of stuffed runs but performed well as a move blocker.PositiveRoleOct 19, 2026
In Week 5 against the Raiders, when the Patriots had only four wide receivers on their active roster (similar to the current situation with Doubs and Hollins out), the team relied on the tight end position to pick up the slack, with rookie Eli Raridon playing a particularly important role. New England may use a similar approach in the near future.NegativeUsageOct 14, 2026
Tight end Eli Raridon played 43 of 75 offensive snaps (57%) in Week 5.PositiveBreakoutOct 13, 2026
Third-round rookie tight end set career highs with five catches for 57 yards and a touchdown in his NFL debut against Las Vegas despite missing early-season time with a thigh injury. Playing 50% of offensive snaps, Raridon showcased explosiveness in the open field on multiple route concepts—a crossing route for seven yards, a slide concept for 13 yards, and a 31-yard wheel route down the sideline from Drake Maye. Head coach Mike Vrabel praised his blocking work and noted that as a targeted pass catcher, Raridon is improving daily and gaining confidence at the NFL level. Vrabel indicated the rookie will likely become increasingly involved in the offense as the season progresses.PositiveUsageOct 12, 2026
Eli Raridon caught a 31-yard wheel route reception from Drake Maye about halfway through the third quarter. Maye stared him down the whole time without disguising the throw and hit him in stride right between two Raiders DBs on the numbers. The drive ended with Maye's rushing touchdown.PositiveUsageOct 12, 2026
Eli Raridon had a solid game against the Raiders as part of the Patriots' multiple threats in the passing game despite being short-handed at receiver.PositiveBreakoutOct 12, 2026
Eli Raridon posted career-highs with five catches for 57 yards in Week 5, signaling potential for increased involvement as the season progresses. The tight end's performance suggests he may see more offensive opportunities moving forward.NegativeUsageOct 7, 2026
Eli Raridon was actively involved but not quite as successful as Hunter Henry in either receiving or blocking, while also missing some reps with an ankle injury.PositiveRoleOct 6, 2026
Eli Raridon, a third-round draft pick rookie tight end, played 44 of 76 offensive snaps (58%) in Week 4 despite being announced as questionable to return with an ankle issue in the third quarter. The source notes the team clearly thinks highly of Raridon, and his usage so far reflects that confidence.PositiveInjuryOct 6, 2026
Rookie tight end had missed the previous week's game with a thigh injury and hurt his ankle in his return to game action versus Buffalo. Despite receiving the 'questionable to return' tag in the early fourth quarter, he did not miss significant time and was back on the field four offensive plays after the team's injury announcement.NegativeRoleOct 5, 2026
Rookie tight end may see increased role due to receiver injuries. With A.J. Brown out until Week 6 and Mack Hollins injured, the Patriots might have to rely on Raridon at a higher rate than normal alongside Efton Chism and Kyle Williams.PositiveRoleOct 4, 2026
Raridon was featured in the Patriots' opening drive in jumbo '12' personnel, receiving a 12-yard connection from Maye as part of a 97-yard, 12-play touchdown drive that set the tone for the offense.NegativeUsageOct 4, 2026
Received pass from Drake Maye on opening drive to help Patriots move the chains and establish early offensive rhythm.PositiveRoleOct 4, 2026
Third-round rookie tight end Eli Raridon is available for Week 4 after missing the Jacksonville game and is the only Patriot with a touchdown reception to his name so far this season. His presence on the game day roster bumped fellow rookie Tanner Arkin from the roster onto the inactives list.PositiveInjuryOct 4, 2026
Patriots tight end listed as questionable with thigh injury but cleared to play and expected to see sizable snaps in Week 4 vs. Bills.NegativeInjuryOct 3, 2026
Tight end listed as questionable for Week 4 vs Bills; status uncertain heading into AFC East matchup.NegativeInjuryOct 3, 2026
Listed as questionable for Week 4 game against Buffalo Bills; tight end status uncertain heading into divisional matchup.NegativeInjuryOct 2, 2026
Rookie tight end listed as questionable for Week 4 with thigh injury; was among the team's inactives 90 minutes before kickoff in Week 3 after carrying a game designation.PositiveRoleOct 2, 2026
The source projects Raridon could become the Patriots' TE #1 by season's end. He was a limited participant in practice this week and should be ready to play Sunday. The Patriots need him back on the field for his explosiveness in the passing game and blocking ability, particularly given the run-game struggles.NegativeInjuryOct 1, 2026
Tight end Eli Raridon was limited in Thursday's practice due to a thigh injury. He continues to work his way back as a partial participant for New England after being listed as questionable before landing among the inactives 90 minutes prior to kickoff last weekend.NegativeInjurySep 30, 2026
Patriots rookie tight end Eli Raridon returned to limited participation Wednesday after being ruled out and inactive for last Sunday's Jacksonville game; thigh injury; listed as questionable until 90-minute mark before kickoff at EverBank Stadium.NegativeInjurySep 29, 2026
Third-round rookie Eli Raridon was missing from the Patriots' tight end group in Week 3, reducing the depth and forcing Hunter Henry to carry the load as the clear No. 1 option.NegativeInjurySep 29, 2026
Tight end Eli Raridon, the No. 2 tight end, was inactive for the Patriots' Week 3 game against Jacksonville due to a thigh injury suffered in Week 2.NegativeInjurySep 27, 2026
Tight end Eli Raridon is inactive for Week 3 after suffering a thigh injury last Sunday versus Pittsburgh, leaving the Patriots with Cameron Latu and Tanner Arkin as depth behind starter Hunter Henry.NegativeInjurySep 27, 2026
Third-round rookie tight end ruled out for Week 3 with thigh injury sustained versus Pittsburgh Steelers in previous week; was deemed questionable entering the game but ultimately unable to get clearance.NegativeInjurySep 27, 2026
Raridon is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Jacksonville with a thigh injury and is trending in the wrong direction after not practicing on Thursday and Friday; if inactive, undrafted tight end Tanner Arkin will likely be back on the game day roster while Cameron Latu, who played 14 snaps in relief last Sunday, will assume the role behind Hunter Henry.NegativeInjurySep 26, 2026
Tight end made the trip to Jacksonville with questionable game status for Week 3 game against Jaguars; availability uncertain heading into Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff at EverBank Stadium.NegativeInjurySep 25, 2026
The tight end was listed as questionable on New England's final injury report for the road trip to Jacksonville, leaving his status uncertain for Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff.NegativeInjurySep 25, 2026
Third-round rookie tight end out of Notre Dame suffered a thigh injury just 11 offensive snaps into his first career start. Limited participant in Wednesday practice, then absent Thursday and Friday. Has registered two receptions for 32 yards and one touchdown through September. Listed as questionable for Week 3 vs Jacksonville.NegativeInjurySep 25, 2026
Eli Raridon's thigh injury status is worth monitoring after he was downgraded from limited participant on Wednesday to did not participate on Thursday; however, the source does not believe it is a long-term issue.NegativeInjurySep 25, 2026
Raridon's status entering the Jaguars game is unclear after exiting the Steelers game with a thigh injury; he participated in limited fashion during Wednesday's practice and was absent Thursday, raising availability concerns for Week 3.PositiveBreakoutSep 25, 2026
Rookie tight end Raridon has generated early production and impressed coaches with rapid development; scored the Patriots' first TD of the season and hauled in a 30-yard catch vs. Pittsburgh by fighting through defensive pass interference. Tight ends coach Thomas Brown highlighted his transformation from arrival to current form, praising his growth potential, intelligence, coachability, and toughness at the point of contact. Head coach Mike Vrabel noted Raridon has become "a better blocker earlier than we thought." Brown emphasized Raridon's progression in run-game assignments against physical edge rushers like Uchenna Nwosu (38 snaps in-line vs. Seattle), combined with his natural route-running ability and hands. This early production has already expanded Patriots offensive flexibility; when Raridon was deployed in 12-personnel vs. Pittsburgh, defenses matched with base defense rather than staying in nickel, allowing New England to generate 76 yards (12.7 YPA) on six passes in those base-defense snaps, including Raridon's 30-yard reception against a linebacker matchup.NegativeInjurySep 24, 2026
Rookie tight end sat out Thursday's practice due to a thigh injury that prevented him from finishing last weekend's 20-3 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Raridon had his first NFL start in the home opener, recording one reception for 30 yards across 11 offensive snaps before the injury.NegativeRoleSep 24, 2026
Rookie tight end Eli Raridon broke free uncovered up the seam as the No. 1 read in the progression on the Patriots' first possession against the Steelers, but Drake Maye checked it down to Rhamondre Stevenson instead, illustrating a missed opportunity and highlighting Raridon's role as a primary read in the offense despite the quarterback's conservative decision-making.NegativeInjurySep 23, 2026
Rookie tight end out of Notre Dame played 11 offensive snaps and hauled in a 30-yard pass last Sunday before suffering a thigh injury; listed as limited participant on Wednesday.NegativeInjurySep 22, 2026
Raridon, a rookie tight end, suffered a tight injury in the first half of Week 2 versus Pittsburgh and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. This injury opened opportunities for Cameron Latu, another late addition to the roster.NegativeInjurySep 22, 2026
Raridon caught a 30-yard pass in the late first quarter to help set up a field goal but was unable to finish the contest because of a thigh injury.NegativeInjurySep 21, 2026
2025 first-round pick (No. 95 overall) suffered a thigh injury in the second quarter of Week 2's 20-3 win over Pittsburgh and did not return, forcing the Patriots to rely on Hunter Henry and Cameron Latu at tight end.NegativeInjurySep 21, 2026
Tight end Eli Raridon left the Patriots' Week 2 game with a thigh injury; the source notes this as part of the injury concerns at the tight end position, which was flagged as a vulnerable spot heading into the season.NegativeInjurySep 21, 2026
Eli Raridon was lost with a thigh injury in Week 2, adding to the Patriots' mounting injury concerns.NegativeInjurySep 21, 2026
Raridon had an impressive 30-yard catch working through a DPI before exiting with a thigh injury; he was ruled out for the game along with other injured Patriots players.NegativeInjurySep 20, 2026
The rookie tight end caught a 30-yard pass on a play that drew defensive pass interference and advanced the Patriots into the red zone, but suffered a thigh injury during the game against Pittsburgh.NegativeInjurySep 20, 2026
Rookie tight end departed with thigh injury in second quarter of Week 2 game; finished with one catch for 30 yards before being ruled out for remainder of contest.PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Eli Raridon caught the first touchdown of the Patriots' 2026 season and threw a key block on Rhamondre Stevenson's longest run of the day, a 12-yarder on the final drive. However, he was also responsible for two stuffed runs, contributing to the running game's struggles.NegativeRoleSep 13, 2026
Third-round pick Eli Raridon played 38 snaps (54%) in his NFL debut and caught his first career pass for a touchdown on a delayed release from the two-yard line. The Patriots continued to rely on Raridon as an in-line option, though results were inconsistent against a physical, talented Seahawks front—a tough task for a rookie in his first game.PositiveRoleSep 11, 2026
Listed as a pleasant surprise from the Patriots' Week 1 loss to Seahawks, indicating unexpected positive performance or contribution from the tight end in an otherwise disappointing game.PositiveRoleSep 10, 2026
TE Eli Raridon's first NFL reception went for a touchdown in the Patriots' Week 1 opening game against Seattle. The rookie tight end made an immediate impact in his debut, scoring on his first catch despite the team's overall offensive struggles and 13-10 loss.PositiveRoleSep 10, 2026
Eli Raridon caught his first career touchdown on his first career catch in Week 1, scoring on a play-action delayed release.PositiveRoleSep 10, 2026
Eli Raridon, the rookie tight end out of Notre Dame, scored his first career touchdown on the Patriots' third drive, a 10-play, 77-yard series that included trickery. Peeling to the back corner of the end zone, Raridon gave New England a 7-0 lead with 9:11 remaining in the first half, establishing early offensive production in his 2026 debut.PositiveRoleSep 10, 2026
Third-round rookie tight end scored on his first NFL catch, a 2-yard touchdown in the second quarter, becoming the first Patriots rookie to catch a TD in his NFL debut in 13 years; got wide open behind Seattle's defense on a 77-yard, 10-play scoring drive led by Drake Maye.PositiveBreakoutSep 10, 2026
Rookie tight end scored his first NFL touchdown on his first NFL catch in the second quarter; Maye hit him wide-open for the score following a pass interference penalty drawn by A.J. Brown on a flea-flicker play, giving Patriots a 7-0 lead. This marks a significant early-season milestone for the rookie.NegativeRoleSep 9, 2026
Eli Raridon is active as one of four tight ends on the Patriots' Week 1 game day roster; Raridon is making his NFL debut.PositiveRoleSep 5, 2026
Third-round draft pick tight end acquired to complement starting tight end Hunter Henry; part of the Patriots' upgraded supporting cast for Drake Maye that includes new receiver acquisitions A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, returning receivers, and running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.PositiveDepth ChartAug 30, 2026
Early-round tight end made the initial 53-man roster unsurprisingly; one of three draft picks from rounds 1-4 to secure a roster spot.NegativeRoleAug 30, 2026
Raridon is the second tight end on the Patriots' depth chart behind Hunter Henry, with undrafted free agent Tanner Arkin in the third role.NegativeDepth ChartAug 30, 2026
Eli Raridon is one of three tight ends on the Patriots' 53-man roster.PositiveRoleAug 28, 2026
Eli Raridon is projected to make the 53-man roster as the second tight end; the source notes he will be more of a package and part-time piece despite showing some flashes over the last month.NegativeDepth ChartAug 24, 2026
Tight end Eli Raridon was a full participant on Monday after not being present for Saturday's preseason game.PositiveRoleAug 24, 2026
Third-round selection Eli Raridon is a vertical-threat tight end who will be paired with Hunter Henry in the tight end room this season. He has cycled reps with quarterback Maye as camp progresses and is positioned as a capable receiving threat for the offense.NegativeDepth ChartAug 24, 2026
Eli Raridon is projected to make the 53-man roster as one of three tight ends for the Patriots in 2026.PositiveUsageAug 19, 2026
Raridon caught a pass from DeVito in the second-unit end-of-game drive that led to a field goal against Philadelphia.PositiveBreakoutAug 19, 2026
Nick Goss explains how rookie TE Eli Raridon could be an X-factor for Patriots in 2026, suggesting upside potential in the tight end position.PositiveDepth ChartAug 19, 2026
Eli Raridon is locked in as one of the top two tight ends on the Patriots roster.PositiveRoleAug 17, 2026
Eli Raridon easily worked by Namdi Obiazor on a corner route during 1-on-1 drills, demonstrating strong performance in the matchup.NegativeDepth ChartAug 17, 2026
Third-round draft pick Eli Raridon's development at tight end is a key factor in the Patriots' long-term planning at the position. Hunter Henry's extension structure—with easy exit flexibility after 2027—suggests the team is positioning itself to transition away from Henry depending on Raridon's progression and Henry's own performance into his 30s.NegativeRoleAug 16, 2026
The Patriots' first-round tight end finished with one catch on four targets for eight yards in the preseason opener. A 24-yard gain off a catch in the flat—a staple for Raridon this summer—was negated due to Lomu being illegally downfield. Raridon had a great block working to the second level on New England's longest run of the night. As a blocker overall, he often got in the way but didn't generate much push. Vrabel said, 'I think he continues to improve blocking and he's willing, and so that's the one thing that I really think I've been pleasantly surprised with, just his willingness to do that.'PositiveRoleAug 15, 2026
Raridon, a third-round draft pick and roster lock at tight end, led his position group with 39 snaps (53% of offensive snaps) and 4 targets (1 catch for 8 yards) in the Patriots preseason opener, establishing him as the primary tight end option.NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026
Eli Raridon had a 25-yard pass reception negated by an ineligible man downfield penalty on Caleb Lomu; Raridon acknowledged the timing of penalties hurt the offense, stating 'Unfortunately penalties got a lot of our big plays called back.'