Patriots rookie tight end names All-Pro player he models game after

New England Patriots rookie tight end Eli Raridon has looked up to one player in particular to model his game after over the years: San Francisco 49ers five-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle.

Like Kittle, Raridon is the complete package. He can block and catch the ball at a high level. The third-round draft pick is also a proven playmaker with the ball in his hands. He hauled in 32 catches for 482 yards with the Fighting Irish last season.

Those plays came on a varied route tree with Raridon averaging 15.1 yards per reception.

“I’ve looked up to George Kittle a lot," Raridon said after being drafted. "…Love the way he blocks, love his mentality while playing the game. Obviously, he makes great plays in the passing game as well.”

If Raridon is even close to Kittle, it would be a home run draft selection for the Patriots.

With that said, the rookie tight end has his own path to travel in the NFL, and he still has a talented tight end currently ahead of him in Hunter Henry. The 31-year-old playmaker is obviously aging, but he remains one of quarterback Drake Maye's favorite receiving targets.

Perhaps someday soon the same will be said about Raridon.

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