Eli Raridon NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for New England Patriots TE
The New England Patriots selected Notre Dame TE Eli Raridon with the No. 95 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
Eli Raridon has legitimate three-down ability, with a well-rounded game that will help offenses in the run game and add explosives through the air.
Raridon is a former 4-star recruit who has spent his entire four-year career with the Fighting Irish and watched his role in the offense expand in his senior season. After setting career highs in receptions (32), yards (482), and yards per reception (15.1), he's on his way to the NFL with a new outlook.
His blocking role translates well to the NFL, and his upside as a receiver is enticing.
Dan has covered the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft since 2019 while contributing for RGR Football. Most recently, he spent the 2025 draft cycle at The Draft Network and is entering his first season in our scouting department.
Highlights
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Where He Wins
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— Raridon's combination of vertical speed and size make him an easy target over the middle of the field. He can stretch the field for an offense and create explosives.
— Builds his route stem manipulation tactics with speed dialation and leverage understanding. He moves defenders where he wants and gets into space.
— He breaks off routes at the proper depth and with good timing regularly. The ability to play on time within the offensive structure is critical at the next level.
— He possesses three-down ability and positional versatility from the tight end position. He's a willing and effective blocker with a good understanding of run blocks and timing.
Areas of Improvement
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— Raridon needs to continue developing his technique as a blocker. With his height, getting outleveraged is the battle, and staying low and keeping his hands inside will improve connectivity.
— He's a limited linear athlete who struggles to make defenders miss in the short area. Changing direction and getting upfield from a linear route takes too long.
— While he plays with good timing at the top of routes, improving hand usage and intention will create more separation on in breaking routes and curls.
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Grade, Rank and Pro Comparison
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GRADE: 7.2 (Third round - High-Level Backup/Starter Upside)
COMPARABLE GRADE: Trey McBride, Colorado State (7.3 in 2022), Hunter Long, Boston College (7.3 in 2021), Cade Stover, Ohio State (7.2 in 2024)
OVERALL RANK: 86
POSITION RANK: TE4
PRO COMPARISON: Kyle Rudolph-lite
Measurables and Testing Data
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Height: 6'6"
Weight: 245
Hand Size: 10 ¾"
Arm Length: 32 ¾"
Wingspan: N/A
40-yard dash: 4.62
10-yard split: 1.6
Vertical: 36"
Broad: 10'3"
3 cone: N/A
Shuttle: N/A
Bench: 20
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