Shrine Bowl director views Patriots rookie Eli Raridon as early TE1

New England Patriots rookie tight end Eli Raridon earned some serious praise from Eric Galko, the director of football operations and player personnel for the Shrine Bowl.

Galko believes Raridon can make an immediate impact on the football field.

"You mentioned the pass-catching, which is what I think is really impressive about him," Balko said on CLNS' Patriots Daily Podcast. "He can be a receiver. He's a good athlete in space. I think he's really good after the catch in staying balanced and working upfield for a tight end. But for me, it's the blocking ability and the upside that he possesses and can get better at that's going to make him a true TE1, Y-tight end early on in his NFL career...I think Raridon has a chance to be not only a starting tight end in the NFL, but as complete as a guy you'll find coming out of college."

Raridon was one of Notre Dame's best offensive weapons last season after hauling in 32 catches for 482 yards. The Patriots are hoping he can bring those same playmaking abilities to New England, which prompted them to select him with the 95th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

It's a great opportunity that will give him a chance to learn from Hunter Henry before eventually taking up the mantle at the position. Henry is 31 years old and playing in the final year of his contract.

The Patriots needed a clear direction for the future at tight end, and they might have found it with one of the Fighting Irish's finest.

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