One of the bigger surprises for the New England Patriots in the 2026 draft class was the selection of third-round tight end Eli Raridon. The Notre Dame product appeared to be a luxury the Patriots simply didn't need with Hunter Henry rostered and the signing of Julian Hill in free agency.
However, the harder you look at the decision, the more sensical it becomes with New England being given a clear chance to find a surprise contributor.
Hill was signed to replace Austin Hooper, who joined the Atlanta Falcons in free agency. However, the 25-year-old is known more as a blocker and is not incredibly likely to replace the 739 receiving yards and five touchdowns that Hooper offered over the past two seasons. This is where Raridon comes in and has a clear chance to become a surprise contributor and security blanket for Drake Maye.
Raridon emerged as a consistent target in his senior season, putting up 482 receiving yards and offering an impressive 6'6 245-pound frame that creates an obvious mismatch. There isn't a moment that the Iowa native steps onto the football field that his frame isn't going to provide a clear advantage over opposing defensive backs.
This makes it clear that not only was the tight end a potential steal in the third round, but the expectation should be able to make an immediate impact in a reserve role. It is also fair to wonder if New England made the move in hopes of finding a long-term answer for Henry's production.
Patriots quietly get clear draft steal in third-round selection Eli Raridon
Henry is entering a contract year, while Raridon obviously has four years of team control remaining on his rookie deal. For the Patriots, it is a clear win of a draft pick with the rookie either proving himself as a long-term answer as a starting option or giving the franchise a consistent backup weapon. No matter how it plays out, it is clear that the 22-year-old is viewed as an important building block moving forward.
For the rookie, it is an incredible opportunity to work with one of the league's most talented young quarterbacks in Maye and join a clear Super Bowl contender. There simply isn't a downside to a move that clearly appears to be a draft steal for a team with a long history of finding surprise contributions from its pass catchers.
Raridon might be a bit more heralded as a third-round pick, but the tight end unquestionably is being handed a high level of confidence and an elite opportunity. One that it would be shocking not to see the tight end take full advantage of in a system that is set up to get the best out of the pass catcher.
Add us as a preferred source on Google