Eli Raridon

The Player

Raridon is an ascending, traits-based tight end with intriguing size and speed tools, strong hands, and developmental upside as a complete player. After working back from an ACL injury early in his career, he showed meaningful growth in 2025, flashing the ability to contribute as a vertical and YAC threat while still rounding out his game.

Raridon’s receiving profile is built on his size and catch radius. He presents a big target and has the ability to win in traffic, consistently attacking the ball away from his frame and showing toughness over the middle. His hands are reliable, and he transitions quickly after the catch. While much of his usage came on quick game, crossers, and overs, he has the speed for his size to push farther downfield. His route running is still developing—he lacks polish and nuance—but he has the physical tools to expand his tree.

After the catch, he’s more dynamic than what would be expected for his build. He accelerates well once he turns upfield, shows some initial suddenness, and can create extra yards by slipping away from the first defender or finishing through contact. He’s not an elite creator in space, but he’s far from lumbering and offers legitimate run-after-the-catch value.

Raridon plays with a competitive, physical edge that shows up in all phases. As a blocker, he’s further along in the run game than in pass protection. In line, he demonstrates good balance, base, and hand placement, with flashes of effectiveness against quality competition. However, his pass protection and work on the move remain inconsistent, and his balance issues and technique lapses lead to breakdowns. Added strength and refinement will be key to his development.

The Draft

Raridon’s best ball is still in front of him, and we think that a team will invest an early day three pick (fourth round) in him because of his potential to be an interchangeable tight end with length, ball skills, YAC acceleration, and competitive blocking skills. 

The Projection

Raridon projects as a developmental TE2 with upside to grow into a more complete TE1 role. His combination of size, hands, toughness, and functional athleticism makes him an intriguing option, particularly if his route running and blocking consistency continue to improve. A few guys come to mind as far as past and present NFL comps. Dalton Schultz (Texans) would be the high-end comp, Logan Thomas (retired after seven seasons, his last with the Commanders in 2023) shares a similar profile as a late bloomer who became a starter, and Foster Moreau (Saints) is the floor comp in terms of pass game impact. All three guys saw their snaps and roles increase as they continued to develop in the NFL.