Eli Raridon

Raridon's medicals will lead many conversations. He has torn his right ACL twice (2021, 2022). The knee was sound this season as he was immensely productive and tested well. He has a 4.62 40-yard dash time with an 81st percentile vertical jump and an 88th percentile broad jump. Raridon has immediate juice with the ball in his hands. He isn't a monstrous tackle breaker, but he can slip the loose wrap or run through a player attacking at an off-angle. He does have the ability to create with his lateral agility in space to earn a few more yards. His footwork and suddenness in his route breaks need to continue to improve. He can operate well right now against zone coverage, but he needs to improve his route nuance and in-route footwork if he wants to hit his ceiling in the NFL. Raridon can get deep with seam shots (13% go in 2025) and the occasional post (5.2% of his routes in 2025). He displays good ball tracking. Raridon has fluid body control and play strength at the catch point. With only nine contested targets in college, he secured 66.7% of them. He works through physical coverage well with good late separation. His play strength shows up in his blocking. He holds up well in pass pro, sustaining his blocks well. He will occasionally drive a defender into the dirt. He's tenacious. Raridon looks comfortable climbing into the second level when uncovered. Dynasty Outlook: Eli Raridon arrives in New England after getting drafted in the third round. He has a shot to be the immediate TE2 on the roster behind only Hunter Henry, with only Julian Hill and CJ Dippre as his main competition. Hunter Henry is a free agent after the 2026 season, so the runway is clear for Raridon to get substantial playing time in 2026 and walk into 2027 as the team's unquestioned starter. I'll be drafting him heavily in the second round of rookie dynasty drafts.

Eli Raridon will have an opportunity to “make an impact” during his rookie season behind veteran Hunter Henry thanks both to his skillset and the lack of depth at the position behind him.

Fantasy Impact

Raridon will be behind Henry at least to start the season, but he could find himself a role down the stretch should the veteran suffer an injury. Henry is on the wrong side of 30, so the team is needing a young and promising talent to come in. Hopefully Raridon is the next productive Patriots tight end. The rookie’s own injury history is concerning, however, and much remains undecided.