The 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone, with several new faces joining the franchise over the weekend. During the draft, the New England Patriots made nine selections, the majority of which came on the third day.
In the first round of the draft, New England traded up from No. 31 to No. 28 to select Caleb Lomu, a tackle from Utah. On day two of the draft, New England made two picks. New England would select Gabe Jacas at No. 55. We wouldn't see the Patriots pick again until pick No. 95 in the third round, where they may have secretly gotten a steal of the draft.
Eli Raridon may be a steal for the Patriots
With pick No. 95, the Patriots selected Eli Raridon, a tight end from Notre Dame. Raridon fought through adversity in college, tearing his right ACL in consecutive years in 2021 and 2022. After playing sparingly in 2023 and 2024, Raridon became the starter in South Bend in 2025. This past season, Raridon finished third on the Fighting Irish with 32 receptions for 482 yards.
So, what makes Raridon a steal for New England? One thing New England needed to add in the draft was a tight end, given that the only consistent option on the roster was Hunter Henry, who is entering the final year of his contract and will be 32 years old by the end of the 2026 campaign. Looking at Raridon, it isn't outrageous to think he could be the Patriots' answer at tight end in the 2027 season and beyond.
Physically, Raridon gives you great size at the position, standing at 6'6. On the field, he's improved every season and has become a capable receiving threat. While he still has room to improve as a blocker, Raridon has the size and willingness to become a good blocker at the professional level.
Adding Raridon now was huge, as he can play a backup role behind Henry, from whom he can learn everything he needs to know about being a pro's pro. If Raridon can improve his blocking, he could become an important part of the Patriots' offense moving forward.
Fans won't have to wait long for their first look at Raridon as the NFL's rookie camp begins on May 1. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a long and successful career in New England.
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