Eli Raridon
New England PatriotsOur College Grade
How good he was in college at what his position is supposed to do, out of 100. Scored against everyone else at his position, adjusted for the level he played at. This is not his NFL grade.
College Production
Notre Dame · FBS Independents
| Season | G | Tgt | Rec | Yds | TD | Pos Rk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 | 12 | 11 | 90 | 2 | |
| 2025 | 10 | 42 | 32 | 482 | 0 | 53 |
The seasons in our college data. It does not always reach back to a player's first year.
Scouting Report
Notre Dame · 2026 draft class
Eli Raridon's path to the 2026 NFL Draft is a story of resilience, legacy, and untapped potential. The 6'7", 251-pound tight end is the son of former Notre Dame offensive lineman Scott Raridon, and he grew up around Fighting Irish football before following his father's footsteps to South Bend. Raridon arrived as a four-star recruit from Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, where he caught 53 passes for 627 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior while earning Elite All-Iowa recognition. He was also a standout basketball player, earning Second Team All-State honors. However, Raridon's college career was nearly derailed by a pair of devastating right ACL injuries-the first during his senior basketball season and the second in October 2022 during Notre Dame practice. The double knee reconstruction cost him nearly two full seasons. When healthy, Raridon's physical tools are impossible to ignore. His 6'7" frame with impressive arm length creates an oversized target that draws extra defensive attention on seam routes. In 2025, Raridon produced 32 receptions for 482 yards with standout performances against Miami (5-97), Texas A&M (4-85), and NC State (7-109). He possesses surprising route-running ability for his size, executing sharp 90-degree cuts and creating separation downfield. As a blocker, he's willing and effective with good force through his frame. However, his high-cut frame needs lower-body development, and he lacks burst after the catch. His medical history and limited volume in the passing game are legitimate concerns. Raridon projects as a developmental Y tight end with slot versatility and Day 3 draft value.
Strengths
- Exceptional height at 6'7" with impressive arm length
- Creates attention on seam routes drawing extra defenders
- Surprisingly sharp route cuts for his size
- Willing and effective run blocker with good force
- Strong grip and core strength
- Notre Dame legacy and football bloodlines
- Elite All-Iowa recruit with basketball background
- Three-down ability and positional versatility
- Strong performances vs elite competition (Miami
- Texas A&M)
Concerns
- Two right ACL injuries (2022 HS season
- October 2022)
- High-cut frame needs lower-body development
- Limited volume-never been moderate passing game contributor
- Struggles to separate when contacted early in routes
- Lacks burst and dynamic athleticism after catch
- Route tree remains developmental
- Minimal YAC ability despite size
- Never fully utilized arm length defensively
- Medical red flags concern NFL teams
Honors
Elite All-Iowa Team (HS); 4-star recruit; Second Team All-State basketball (HS); Notre Dame legacy; Declared for 2026 NFL Draft