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The New England Patriots selected tight end Eli Raridon with the No. 95 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, addressing a key position need. Raridon, a Notre Dame standout, is expected to contribute immediately and eventually replace veteran Hunter Henry.
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After addressing offensive tackle and edge rusher with their first two picks, the New England Patriots used their third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on another glaring weakness on Friday. And with the No. 95 overall pick of the draft, the Patriotsselected Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon. A move at tight end was expected with Hunter Henry being 31 years old and playing in the final year of his contract. The Patriots also lost veteran Austin Hooper in free agency to the Atlanta Falcons. Not only did they need a player capable of stepping in and contributing right away, but they needed one talented enough to take the reins from Henry at some point. Raridon has all of the makings of being the right man for that job. He's deceptively fast for his size at 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds. In his final year at Notre Dame, he hauled in 32 receptions for 482 yards. He saw a massive improvement as a blocker as well, developing into a well-rounded tight end prospect. Some felt like the pick was the perfect match for the Patriots, while others would have liked to see the team keep the focus on the defensive side of the ball. Here are some of the social media reactions to the Day 2 draft pick:
Thoughts on Eli Raridon to the Patriots (spoilers: I love it) pic.twitter.com/MFa84jHEWm
— Nate Tice (@Nate\_Tice) April 25, 2026 #Patriots fans, you landed one of the most complete tight ends in the 2026 NFL Draft in Eli Raridon.
Haling from one of the best TE-developing programs in Nore Dame, he’s both a high-end blocker and receiver as a Y-Tight end.
As a 6’6 tight end and a 98% athlete, he finished… pic.twitter.com/QiIzrGJ3lH
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) April 25, 2026 .@tkyles39 likes Eli Raridon's fit with the Patriots:
Eli Raridon plays the tight end position for the New England Patriots.
The Patriots drafted Eli Raridon to address a glaring weakness at tight end, especially with Hunter Henry in the final year of his contract.
In his final year at Notre Dame, Eli Raridon recorded 32 receptions for 482 yards.
Concerns have been raised about Eli Raridon's injury history, specifically his two ACL tears, which some fans believe could impact his long-term success.
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"I really think he can be a well-rounded weapon ... this is a perfect guy to learn from Hunter Henry." pic.twitter.com/Hik3WvrBIN
— Patriots on CLNS (@PatriotsCLNS) April 25, 2026 It shouldn't take Drake Maye long to realize what CJ Carr quickly figured out in his first season as a starter at Notre Dame — throwing the ball to Eli Raridon downfield is a good idea. He makes things happen.
The New England Patriots drafted a good one.pic.twitter.com/xwIuA96cWS
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) April 25, 2026 Why are all the posts about Raridon not having production.. when all of NE wanted Delp and he had like 200 yards.
If Raridon is healthy, he has all around TE1 potential
— Andrew DeSilva (@andrewadesilva) April 25, 2026 (Maye & Raridon in 3 years): pic.twitter.com/GTqShWqnq9
— Christian (@Christi32135599) April 25, 2026 Another garbage ass pick. Dude has torn his ACL twice. SMFH
— Larry Morris (@Larry\_Morris16) April 25, 2026 An absolute BEAST
— Biased Notre Dame Fan (@CFBGuy999) April 25, 2026 Getting Dominique Easley vibes with the ACL issues - this will not work out well long term
— Chewy (@Chewy99049774) April 25, 2026 more weapons for my qb love it pic.twitter.com/FuAktcA9JQ
— bob truck (@TruckBon) April 25, 2026 Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook. *This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Twitter reacts to Patriots drafting TE Eli Raridon at No. 95 overall*