HOME > Patriots Blog > 2026 Patriots Draft
Looking back at the selection of Rob Gronkowski in 2010, there were quite a few questions when it came to the former Arizona tight end’s health after New England used the 42nd overall pick (Round two) that offseason.
Gronkowski was coming off a significant back injury during his junior year and was considered a risky prospect but someone with high upside. It caused his draft position to slip, and it ended up being the Patriots who took the risk and reaped the rewards.
This seems to potentially be the story with 2026 third-round pick Eli Raridon, who the Patriots selected with the 95th selection in the 3rd round Friday night, albeit the former Notre Dame tight end isn’t quite the athlete that Gronkowski is.
Unlike Gronkowski, most of Raridon’s injuries happened early in his career. The two ACL tears he suffered happened over the course of 10 months beginning in his freshman season, which oftentimes can completely derail a player, not only physically, but mentally.
That wasn’t the case with Raridon. He fought through the rehab in both instances and ended up being a player who remained on an upward trajectory over the remainder of his collegiate career.
He caught 32 passes in 2025 for 482 yards, averaging just over 15 yards per reception over 12 games in 2025 after catching just 11 passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns the previous season.
While those aren’t exactly crazy numbers, Eliot Wolf explained Friday night that they’ve seen enough of him on film to feel like with Raridon, it’s really about his untapped potential, and that was what led to his selection.
“Tremendous athlete. One-year player has overcome some serious injuries there at Notre Dame to really kind of find his own this year,” explained Wolf. “And you could see him sort of, again, coming into his own as we went through the season.”
“You could just see his confidence growing and growing throughout the year. Kind of an all-around guy, probably more of a pass catcher first, but a willing blocker. Again, like I said about all these rookies, he’s going to have to get stronger, but really, really good worker, has a lot of talent, 6’6″, 245, tested incredibly well. And again, just some untapped potential there with only the one year of real playing.”
Raridon said during his press conference that he had visited the team during his 30 visit and he felt like becoming a Patriot was a real possibility.
“I did a 30 visit with them a few weeks ago and have been in contact with a couple of guys, knew it was a very real possibility for me, and absolutely loved when I visited there,” said Raridon. “Loved the coaching staff, love the people running the organization, and I’m just so happy to have an opportunity.”
One interesting note is that it’s tough to say just how many people within New England’s draft room were on board with the selection. Wolf was asked if like last year with TreVeyon Henderson whether or not there had been any debates internally about any of the selections. Wolf admitted that Raridon fell into that category this year, especially as the other names began to come off the board.
“There was probably most debate around the Eli pick and then, all those guys ended up going,” said Wolf. “So Eli was the highest player available on our board for a while there. But there were some guys that were kind of on the same level. But, obviously, needing a tight end, having a guy that’s 6’6″, 245 that is kind of just scratching the surface ultimately, won out.”
As for how he’ll fit in, there are definitely questions. Raridon is considered to be a willing blocker, and he’s likely a player who the team will work into the rotation. But while some might question the selection, the Patriots were definitely in need of adding some talent at that spot to develop, especially given Austin Hooper’s departure. Prior to Friday night, their depth chart consisted of just Henry, newcomer Julian Hill, CJ Dippre, and Marshall Lang.
Selecting Raridon was definitely a good move, especially given Henry’s age (he’ll be 32 in December). Raridon’s addition also gives them a young target opposite Henry when the Patriots are in two tight end sets, depending on how Hill is used and whether or not Dippre becomes a factor.
For now, the rookie tight end added that one thing that isn’t a factor is his health, and he’s looking forward to getting to work.
“I’m feeling amazing, no effects at all,” said Raridon. “And I give all glory to my lord and savior Jesus Christ, and he’s been watching over me and taking care of me. And obviously I’ve done a lot of hard work to rehab that as well, but my body feels amazing, and I’m ready to get to work.”
From our archive - this week all-time:
April 10 - April 25 (Through 26yrs)
Join 2,000+ fans getting exclusive stats, analysis, and insights delivered straight to their inbox every week. Never miss a play.
Follow us
Follow Us
