Image courtesy of Bleacher Report
FOXBOROUGH – The last time the Patriots had a tight end the size of Eli Raridon, it worked out pretty well.
The former Notre Dame tight end became the newest Patriot with the 95th overall pick in the third round of the NFL Draft on Friday night. Listed at 6’6,” 245lbs., Raridon could give fans some flashbacks of the old No. 87.
Before anyone freaks out, we here at NEFJ are ABSOLUTELY NOT comparing him to Rob Gronkowski before he even puts a helmet on in Foxborough, however, the size comparison is hard to ignore.
It’s not just us thinking it either, former Pats QB Brian Hoyer shared the same sentiments during some discussions prior to the draft.
Also, like Gronk, Raridon has some injury questions coming out of school after tearing his ACL early in his college career. He also had some injury issues in high school.
Both Raridon and Eliot Wolf were asked about that during virtual calls with the media after the draft.
“I’m feeling amazing, no effects at all. And I give all glory to my lord and savior Jesus Christ, and he’s been watching over me and taking care of me,” said Raridon. “And obviously I’ve done a lot of hard work to rehab that as well, but my body feels amazing and I’m ready to get to work.”
“Tremendous athlete. A one-year player, has overcome some serious injuries there at Notre Dame to really find his own this year,” added Wolf. “You can see him coming into his own as we went through the season. You could just see his confidence growing throughout the year. Kind of an all around guy. Probably more of a pass-catcher first, but a willing blocker…really good worker. Has a lot of talent. 6’6,” 245, tested incredibly well and again, just some untapped potential there with only the one year of playing.”
Pressed further on if there was any concern with the injury history, Wolf kept it simple in his response.
“No real concerns,” he said. “We brought Eli in for a pre-draft visit and so, they were able to examine him, not only at the Combine but also here. No concerns.”
Raridon was also asked to reflect upon that visit and what stood out during his time in Foxborough.
“Yeah, I thought the new facilities were awesome. I thought the coaches I met with, tight ends coach [Thomas Brown], Coach [Mike] Vrabel, some of the higher up guys as well were amazing. And really excited to be part of an organization that has such great leadership and such great people and staff, and I’m really excited,” he added.
With Hunter Henry on the back nine of his career, if Raridon is able to stay healthy and add a little weight, with Josh McDaniels scheming stuff up, the days of the tight end being a threat down the field and not just intermediately could be returning.