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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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48
Positive
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Insight ledger
All Pats Pulpit insights about Eli Raridon
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.'PositiveRoleAug 14, 2026
The rookie tight end posted one catch on four targets for eight yards, but the source notes his explosiveness and run-game work passed the eye test; he had a 24-yard reception on a bootleg concept (negated by penalty) and delivered a nice block on the Patriots' longest run of the night, suggesting role potential beyond the box score.NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026
Tight end Eli Raridon was targeted for a 24-yard completion that was negated by an ineligible man downfield penalty on the strong side of the offensive line.PositiveBreakoutAug 13, 2026
Third-round rookie tight end Eli Raridon has been one of the more positive surprises of training camp. Raridon has been the top tight end behind Hunter Henry and has often shared the field with the veteran in 12 personnel looks with Drake Maye under center. Quarterback Maye praised him: 'He is a big dude, first off, that can run. I mean, that's pretty cool, and he is smart.' Raridon's frame makes him a QB-friendly target while his athleticism threatens defenses up the seam or running across the middle. His skillset has made him a weapon in New England's play-action passing game, though his run-game work will be monitored Thursday to determine pass-catching opportunities.PositiveDepth ChartAug 13, 2026
Eli Raridon remains the second tight end on the depth chart with his pecking order unchanged heading into the preseason.PositiveRoleAug 12, 2026
Tight end selected in the third round of the 2026 draft by the Patriots. Based on summer training camp performance, Raridon is expected to be actively involved in the offensive operation in 2026 as part of the top trio of new acquisitions alongside Romeo Doubs and A.J. Brown.PositiveRoleAug 11, 2026
Tight end had busy day at joint practice with multiple big-play connections from both QBs. Drake Maye hit Raridon on play-action crossing pattern for sizable gain and had two big-play connections with Henry (one wheel route, one down seam). Raridon also caught tight-window touchdown pass from Tommy DeVito, demonstrating his involvement in red-zone opportunities.PositiveRoleAug 11, 2026
Eli Raridon had a busy day as a rookie tight end, recording four catches in 11-on-11 work including one play-action crosser from Drake Maye. Raridon was also effective in the red zone, catching touchdowns from both Maye and backup quarterback Tommy DeVito.NegativeProjectionAug 11, 2026
Eli Raridon, a rookie, will get his first taste of real NFL competition during the joint practice with the Colts, as the source notes that some players such as rookies Caleb Lomu, Gabe Jacas, and Eli Raridon will experience their first real NFL competition in this session.PositiveRoleAug 11, 2026
Third-round rookie tight end from Notre Dame; 47% of Patriots fans surveyed most excited to watch in preseason; regularly repping as second tight end behind Hunter Henry and has already shared the field with starter Drake Maye, catching multiple receptions; projects to play significant role this season barring injury, with strong early summer performance positioning him as the team's future at the position.PositiveRoleAug 10, 2026
Rookie tight end Raridon continues to be the top tight end behind Hunter Henry and often shares the field with the veteran. On Monday, Raridon hauled in his two targets from Drake Maye, showing consistent involvement with the first-team offense.PositiveRoleAug 10, 2026
2026 third-round pick projected as No. 1 tight end among Patriots' remaining group beyond 2026; possesses immense talent and upside; actively involved with top offense in training camp; Henry's extension removes immediate pressure on Raridon to produce as a rookie, allowing Patriots to execute smoother transition and develop him gradually rather than forcing him into starting role with uncertain experience level.PositiveDepth ChartAug 10, 2026
Eli Raridon is a roster lock at tight end on the Patriots' 53-man projection.PositiveBreakoutAug 8, 2026
The source indicates that Raridon's adaptation to NFL speed is accelerating through a new mentality philosophy installed by head coach Mike Vrabel, who prioritizes playing fast over hesitation. Raridon credited this approach and his improving comfort with the playbook as drivers of his faster play and consistency. The 22-year-old noted that daily improvement in processing offensive information and studying outside the facility have made the offense 'seep into my brain,' enabling him to play with greater confidence and speed as he prepares for his NFL preseason debut against Indianapolis.PositiveRoleAug 8, 2026
The source reports that the New England Patriots rookie tight end emerged as one of quarterback Drake Maye's favorite crunch-time targets during Friday's training camp scrimmage. Raridon, a third-round draft selection from Notre Dame, caught back-to-back passes from Maye to open a two-minute drill and hauled in three receptions throughout the scrimmage, including a deep seam connection on play-action that led to the white team's first touchdown. His performance demonstrates early rapport with his quarterback in high-leverage situations.PositiveRoleAug 7, 2026
Rookie tight end Raridon caught three passes in the scrimmage, including one explosive seam route and two check-down passes that helped initiate Drake Maye's two-minute drive, showing early involvement in the offense.PositiveRoleAug 6, 2026
Tight end Eli Raridon had multiple wins in 2-on-2 goal line work.PositiveProjectionAug 6, 2026
Jerry Thornton projects that despite a long learning curve in the NFL system, Eli Raridon has impressed in run blocking and passing game plays, with conviction that he will become a dominant player: "He's going to be a beast."PositiveRoleAug 5, 2026
Rookie tight end Eli Raridon has established himself as one of the next men up behind clear TE1 Hunter Henry, securing a strong position in the Patriots' tight end depth chart ahead of veteran competition.PositiveDepth ChartAug 4, 2026
Third-round rookie tight end positioned as the second option and potential heir apparent to Hunter Henry on the Patriots depth chart after nine training camp practices establish a clear pecking order at the position.PositiveRoleAug 4, 2026
Eli Raridon had another quiet day without a target on Tuesday, following a drop on his lone full-team target on Monday, indicating limited offensive involvement.PositiveRoleAug 3, 2026
Rookie tight end Eli Raridon continued to be used with the first-team offense. He had a drop in the end zone on his lone target from Tommy DeVito but appeared to help pave the way in-line next to Morgan Moses for a long touchdown run by Rhamondre Stevenson.NegativeRoleAug 3, 2026
Eli Raridon is the No. 2 tight end on the Patriots depth chart, a position that has remained unchanged since before padded practices.PositiveRoleAug 2, 2026
Raridon is impressing early in Patriots training camp, signaling positive performance trajectory and potential role development in the offense.PositiveRoleAug 2, 2026
Rookie tight end Raridon has impressed early in training camp as a pass catcher, regularly working with Drake Maye and the first-team offense despite being slotted behind veteran Hunter Henry on the depth chart. Through seven practices, Raridon has been active running seams and separating from second-level defenders, catching multiple passes in 7-on-7s including a touchdown in the corner of the end zone. Maye praised his intelligence, athleticism, and work ethic, noting he understands how to play the tight end position and is making plays on the football. Raridon's emergence early in camp has him trending toward earning a role as a rookie after a quiet spring and the season-ending injury to veteran free-agent addition Julian Hill.PositiveRoleJul 31, 2026
Eli Raridon connected with Drake Maye down the field during Friday's padded practice, indicating involvement in the Patriots' offensive scheme. The source notes Maye connected with Raridon alongside Romeo Doubs and Kayshon Boutte down the field, after finding Hunter Henry, DeMario Douglas, and Mack Hollins for touchdowns.PositiveProjectionJul 31, 2026
Rookie tight end Eli Raridon had another strong day, catching three passes (one from Drake Maye) in 7-on-7 work and a sail route in full team work on an impressive throw from Tommy DeVito, continuing to make an impression during training camp.PositiveProjectionJul 31, 2026
Rookie tight end Eli Raridon had another strong day, catching three passes (one from Drake Maye) in 7-on-7 work and a sail route in full team work on an impressive throw from Tommy DeVito, continuing to impress in training camp.PositiveRoleJul 31, 2026
TE Eli Raridon credits advice from Mike Vrabel in his hot start to rookie camp, demonstrating early positive development in his first NFL training camp.PositiveBreakoutJul 31, 2026
Rookie TE Eli Raridon credits advice from Mike Vrabel in his hot start to rookie camp, suggesting strong early development and coaching impact.NegativeDepth ChartJul 31, 2026
Eli Raridon is listed as a roster lock at the tight end position, ahead of Tanner Arkin in the depth chart.NegativeDepth ChartJul 31, 2026
Eli Raridon is listed as a roster lock at the tight end position, ahead of Tanner Arkin.PositiveBreakoutJul 30, 2026
Raridon's limited collegiate playing experience—only 48 catches and 18 starts for Notre Dame due to two ACL tears on the same knee—left him with less experience than draft peers, but his rapid camp progression and red zone success suggest he can overcome that deficit. His ability to apply spring learning to training camp performance and his coaching staff's confidence in his trajectory indicate breakout potential despite the injury history and experience gap.PositiveRoleJul 30, 2026
Third-round rookie tight end is accelerating his development at Patriots training camp; caught multiple passes and two red zone touchdowns in Thursday practice, showing rapid comfort at the NFL level. Raridon credits spring practice learning and coaching staff's emphasis on playing fast over perfection as drivers of his growth. He notes the summer is a "night-and-day difference" compared to spring sessions, with the offense slowing down for him despite not yet being 100% acclimated. Vrabel confirmed Raridon is "learning and figuring this game out" and "can find a way to help us." The 22-year-old's maturation as a blocker could unlock a full-time role alongside Hunter Henry.PositiveRoleJul 30, 2026
Rookie tight end Raridon continued to be active as a pass catcher, hauling in a play-action bootleg touchdown from Drake Maye and a later reception in the flat from Tommy DeVito during Thursday's full-pad practice.NegativeRoleJul 30, 2026
Third-rounder Eli Raridon is the No. 2 tight end despite some drops and playing too quick for himself to anticipate throws on time; he looked smoother and more involved in Tuesday's practice.PositiveDepth ChartJul 29, 2026
Doug Kyed talks up rookie TE Eli Raridon, who is ascending the depth chart at training camp, indicating strong early performance and potential role expansion.PositiveUsageJul 29, 2026
Top tight end for the Patriots was heavily involved on Tuesday with three receptions. Started his day with a contested grab versus Dell Pettus and later added two more catches, all on passes from backup QB Tommy DeVito. Demonstrates continued involvement in the passing game and ability to win contested situations.PositiveRoleJul 28, 2026
Rookie tight end Eli Raridon continued to be active as a pass catcher, hauling in all three targets from Tommy DeVito, including a downfield reception and a catch after settling in a zone.PositiveRoleJul 28, 2026
Rookie TE Eli Raridon is earning a bigger role in training camp by playing faster; his development is notable as Hunter Henry will need help at tight end.PositiveDepth ChartJul 27, 2026
Tight end Eli Raridon is the second-team tight end through three practices, with Tanner Arkin receiving consistent reps as the third tight end.NegativeUsageJul 26, 2026
TE Eli Raridon continued to be used in 12 personnel packages next to Hunter Henry on Sunday; he was open on an overthrow by Drake Maye and later connected with Tommy DeVito.NegativeDepth ChartJul 26, 2026
Patriots selected Eli Raridon in third round of 2026 NFL Draft as part of offseason tight end group investment; provides context for Patriots TE depth chart alongside undrafted free agent Jeremiah Franklin.NegativeRoleJul 25, 2026
Rookie tight end Eli Raridon worked sparingly with the first unit behind Hunter Henry. His first target from Tommy DeVito was sailed high on the seam, but the duo connected on a sail route in the next period.NegativeProjectionJul 25, 2026
Extensive list of previous injuries in college—two ACL tears on the same knee frequently sidelined him during his first two collegiate seasons—makes him more of a project player to begin his career. May take considerable time to earn consistent offensive snaps; immediate stepping into a high-volume role is hindered by necessary improvement as a blocker and refinement of technical components.PositiveProjectionJul 25, 2026
Posted a 9.46 Relative Athletic Score at the NFL Combine; is a fluid mover for his size (6-foot-6, 245 pounds) with a large catch radius. Can be a consistent target over the middle of the field at the intermediate level and vertically. Head coach Vrabel noted at minicamp that Raridon "picks things up quickly" and "when he's able to play with the speed that he has available to him, that's kind of shown up."PositiveRoleJul 25, 2026
Third-round draft pick selected to be a receiving threat paired with Hunter Henry; can extend vertically up the seam and serve as a red-zone target. The source identifies him as the X-Factor due to his natural ability as a receiver and potential to make substantial impact as a receiving threat for Drake Maye in year one.PositiveRoleJul 25, 2026
Julian Hill's June injury thrusts rookie third-round pick Eli Raridon out of Notre Dame into a bigger role as the second tight end on the depth chart.PositiveDepth ChartJul 24, 2026
Third-round rookie tight end Eli Raridon is locked into a roster spot as the backup behind starter Hunter Henry, securing his position ahead of the training camp competition.NegativeUsageJul 24, 2026
In 2025 at Notre Dame, Raridon finished with significantly more snaps as a blocker (410) than as a receiver (231) despite being the team's top tight end option. When called upon to catch the ball, he performed at a proper level, but his overall usage was heavily weighted toward blocking responsibilities, suggesting a versatile role rather than a pure pass-catching focus.NegativeProjectionJul 24, 2026
Raridon has NFL-caliber traits but requires development before reaching full potential. His blocking leaves room for improvement due to his high-cut build and lack of stout base/power; he weighs only 245 pounds relative to his 6-foot-6 frame and would benefit from adding more mass. If he can get stronger and fill out his frame, he should develop into a Hunter Henry-like player: a true all-rounder capable of contributing on all three downs.PositiveProjectionJul 24, 2026
The third-round rookie has a dynamic skillset the Patriots have not had from a rookie at the position in a long time. His 2025 college season was productive: 32 catches for 482 yards (both career highs), 15.1 yards per catch (second among Notre Dame receivers with double-digit targets), and 7 catches for 109 yards in his most productive game against N.C. State. He finished third on the team in both catches and receiving yards while demonstrating solid blocking ability.PositiveRoleJul 24, 2026
Raridon projects as New England's TE2 in 2026 after initially being viewed as a top-three option at the position. With veteran Julian Hill out for the year due to injury, his outlook has improved and he could see serious action as a depth player/role player capable of contributing in a variety of packages as both a receiver and blocker; he is the highest-upside tight end on the team not named Hunter Henry and projects as the primary backup behind team captain Hunter Henry.PositiveRoleJul 24, 2026
New England needs someone to claim the TE2 role — hopefully Eli Raridon — in order to confidently play more 12 personnel groupings; Raridon is the source's preferred candidate to fill this opportunity.NegativeDepth ChartJul 23, 2026
Third-round draft pick tight end Eli Raridon is guaranteed one of the depth spots in the Patriots tight end room, though it remains to be seen how big of a workload the rookie will actually get. He will compete with Jack Westover, C.J. Dippre, Tanner Arkin and newly-signed Mitch Van Vooren for roster spots.NegativeRoleJul 22, 2026
Third-round rookie and top internal option at depth tight end; the Notre Dame product may not be ready to immediately fill the in-line role that free-agent addition Julian Hill was projected to play, which could open the door for blocking specialists to earn a role.PositiveRoleJul 22, 2026
Albert Breer is keeping his eye on Raridon at training camp, highlighting the opportunity he has to make an impact on the roster.NegativeDepth ChartJul 22, 2026
Rookie tight end on Patriots depth chart behind starting tight end Hunter Henry; part of backup group alongside Jack Westover and fellow rookie Tanner Arkin entering 2026 training camp.