Is New England Patriots tight end Eli Raridon in line to lead the field among all rookies at the position in 2026?
CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards ranked Raridon No. 5 overall in his ranking of the top five rookie tight ends for the 2026 season based on projected NFL production.
”[Hunter] Henry is closer to the end of his career than the beginning and Raridon is the heir apparent,” Edwards said. “New England was below average in terms of two-plus tight end usage last season, according to TruMedia. …CBS Sports' fantasy football experts project Raridon to record 22 receptions for 241 yards and two touchdowns, which would be equivalent to 55.8 fantasy points.”
Raridon has talent as a receiver. He runs his routes well and did display his versatility after
the catch at Notre Dame in 2025. The Patriots’ receiving corps is incredibly deep for next season, but as the backup tight end, that won’t hinder him from getting his share of snaps, especially given the team’s inexperienced depth chart behind him.
The 22-year-old Raridon will get the chance to produce for the Patriots next season, not only when backing up Henry, but also in two-tight end formations, as well as on designed plays, which may lead to him producing as a top five rookie at the position in 2026.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots rookie TE Eli Raridon cracks top-five 2026 positional ranking
