Eli Raridon Scouting Report | Notre Dame TE | 2026 NFL Draft

Player Snapshot

School: Notre Dame
Position: Tight End
Height: 6-7 / Weight: 252 lbs
Class: Senior
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa

Eli Raridon is a tall, athletic tight end with three-down potential, blending size, receiving upside, and improving blocking ability into a well-rounded developmental profile. A former blue-chip recruit who battled multiple injuries early in his career, Raridon steadily carved out a larger role in Notre Dame’s offense and projects as a modern Y/Move tight end with mismatch capability. His combination of length, athleticism, and positional versatility makes him an intriguing mid-round prospect with starter upside if his development continues.

Player Background & Production

Raridon’s career at Notre Dame was shaped by early ACL injuries and gradual reintegration into the offense, but he remained a consistent presence in the tight end rotation once healthy. He progressed from a limited early role into the leader of the tight end room, showing flashes as both a receiver and blocker while playing in a balanced offensive system.

Statistically, his production reflects usage within a rotational tight end structure rather than heavy target volume. Even with modest reception totals, he contributed as an in-line blocker, seam target, and situational red-zone option, demonstrating reliability and steady developmental growth across multiple seasons.

Strengths

Size & Catch Radius: Raridon possesses a prototypical tight end frame with elite length that creates a large strike zone for quarterbacks. He can extend outside his frame, high-point the football, and present a reliable target over the middle and in contested situations.

Athleticism for Size: He moves well for a tall tight end, showing fluid stride mechanics and enough speed to threaten seams and intermediate zones. His size-speed profile creates matchup problems against linebackers and safeties in coverage.

Three-Down Potential: Raridon offers a well-rounded skill set that supports usage on all downs. He contributes in the run game while also providing vertical and intermediate receiving value, giving offenses flexibility in personnel groupings.

Middle-of-Field Receiving Ability: His length and ball skills make him particularly effective attacking zone coverage between the numbers. He finds soft spots in coverage and provides a dependable chain-moving option on intermediate concepts.

Blocking Development: His blocking has improved throughout his career, and he shows willingness and functional technique as an in-line player. He can hold his own in structured run schemes and does not have to be hidden as a blocker.

Areas for Improvement

Injury History & Durability: Multiple knee injuries earlier in his career remain a key evaluation point. Medical clearance and long-term durability will play a significant role in his draft valuation.

Play Strength vs. NFL Defenders: While capable as a blocker, he does not consistently dominate at the point of attack and can struggle to fully control stronger defensive ends in one-on-one situations.

Production Volume: His statistical output has been modest compared to other top tight end prospects, due in part to injuries and role distribution within Notre Dame’s offense.

Field Awareness & Consistency: At times, he can show lapses in spatial awareness and route pacing, which limits his ability to consistently maximize separation and target efficiency.

Film Traits & Measurables

• Physical Frame: Long, tall tight end build with elite length and catch radius
• Athletic Profile: Smooth mover with above-average mobility for size
• Usage Profile: In-line Y tight end with seam and intermediate target usage
• Play Style: Balanced tight end with developmental three-down upside

Draft Projection & NFL Fit

Raridon projects as a Day 3 selection, most commonly in the Round 4–6 range, with upside tied to health, continued strength development, and expanded offensive usage. His profile fits best in offenses that utilize traditional in-line tight ends while also incorporating seam routes and play-action concepts that leverage size mismatches.

He is particularly well-suited for balanced offensive systems that ask tight ends to contribute as both blockers and intermediate receiving targets rather than purely flex weapons.

Summary

Eli Raridon is a tall, athletic tight end with legitimate three-down potential, a large catch radius, and steady blocking development. He wins with length, athleticism, and positional versatility rather than elite production or sudden separation. While injury history and strength consistency remain key evaluation factors, his size-speed profile and well-rounded skill set give him the foundation to develop into a reliable NFL tight end with rotational value and long-term starter upside.

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