Eli

Raridon

Daniels adds that third-round rookie TE Eli Raridon “looks the part,” but he believes Henry is “by far the team’s best tight end and once again will be a security blanket” for QB Drake Maye. Henry posted a 6/768/7 receiving line in 2025 and a 66/674/ receiving line in 2024. A similar stat line this year would be unsurprising.

The report comes from team reporter Evan Lazar and is great to hear. Henry, 31, is entering the final year of his contract. The front office spent a third-round pick on Raridon, ostensibly hoping he would convince them that he can be the TE1 after this season. In many instances, that means late-season utilization. The fact that he is already competing for the TE2 role, and doing so impressively, can only be viewed as a positive. Per Lazar, Raridon “caught the eye on multiple occasions working in the passing game.” He showcased the requisite speed to get behind the second level, and his “ability to catch the ball in traffic” stands out. Raridon can be treated as a best ball TE3 at this time.

ESPN’s Mike Reiss spoke with Brown this week after the Patriots placed TE Julian Hill (knee) on season-ending injured reserve. Brown complimented Raridon’s long speed, athleticism and acceleration, while noting that he has “pretty good ball skills.” Brown believes that there is “so much more to kind of be captured from his college tape.” Raridon has been a dynasty darling in rookie drafts thus far. Hill’s injury could allow Raridon to compete for the TE2 role this season and potentially contribute to the Patriots’ offense down the stretch. He is worth keeping an eye on this summer.

Hill suffered a “devastating, awful” (Mike Vrabel’s words) knee injury in OTAs. He had just signed a three-year contract, and his absence will likely have the Patriots relying more on Reggie Gilliam as a blocker while elevating the snap count of third-round draft pick Eli Raridon.

It’s an interesting pick for fantasy purposes if Raridon can carve out a role in the balanced Patriots offense. Though Hunter Henry will enter the season as the clear No. 1 tight end, Raridon could eat into Henry’s snaps and routes if he excels. Raridon (6’6/245) didn’t see much run while playing behind future NFL tight ends Michael Mayer and Mitch Evans during his first three seasons at Notre Dame. He finally took over the starting gig in 2025 and put up a respectable 482 yards on 32 receptions. Despite looming over most defensive backs, Raridon didn’t score once as a senior. He largely won with straight-line speed, only forcing nine missed tackles during his career. That speed still propelled him to a reasonable 5.5 yards after the catch per reception. While he’s not the complete package as a tight end, Raridon checks enough boxes to be worth a stash in dynasty leagues.

Raridon (6'6/228) was seemingly destined to play for the Fighting Irish from birth, as his grandfather was ND’s strength coach under Lou Holtz and his father was a former offensive lineman and long snapper who was signed by Tyrone Willingham. He was recruited by tight ends coach John McNulty and chose Notre Dame over several Power Five offers from schools like Auburn, Arizona State, Tennessee and Iowa. Raridon is considered the 18th tight end and fourth overall prospect in the state of Iowa from the 2022 prep cycle.