Hey Nerds! Welcome to the Dynasty Nerds 2026 Rookie Profile Series, where we break down the top prospects from the upcoming NFL Draft using the All-22 Film, production data, and dynasty-specific context.
This profile focuses on Eli Raridon, an intriguing tight end prospect out of Notre Dame. Using the Dynasty Nerds Film Room, we’ll examine Raridon’s background, on-field strengths, areas for development, and projected dynasty outlook in 12-Team SuperFlex PPR formats.
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Eli Raridon | TE | Notre Dame
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 245 lbs.
Eli Raridon was a 4-star football prospect out of Valley High School. (He was also a solid basketball player.) Raridon would commit to playing his college ball at the University of Notre Dame. Early in his career, Raridon would be stuck behind players like Michael Mayer and Mitchell Evans, as he saw minimal impact in the offense.
He wouldn’t make much of to speak of until his senior season. He put up solid yardage but didn’t find the end zone in his final season. He had 5 games of 50-plus yards as a very boom-or-bust player on the field.
Raridon had a solid NFL Combine testing performance:
- 40-yard dash: 4.62
- Vertical Jump: 36 inches
- Broad Jump: 123 inches
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Rookie Profile | Strengths and Weaknesses
Eli Raridon is likely a stretch TE who works best up the middle of the field. He has decent build-up speed on deep routes. He has the ability to win at all three levels of the field. He has the strength to win often in contested catch situations. He can translate well as a blocker at the NFL level. His technique is solid with hand placement and strength on the initial blocks.
Raridon has some concerns that make him not an elite prospect coming out. His breakout came later in his college career, as it took him until his senior year to make an impact for Notre Dame. There is also an injury concern with Raridon, as he tore the ACL in the same leg back-to-back in 2021 and 2022.
In terms of Raridon’s game, he is a bit stiff with his route running. On film, he shows tight hips and doesn’t have much wiggle room with the ball in his hands. He doesn’t have much separation speed, but thankfully he can handle contested catch situations. You also have to wonder how he will translate if he needs to play inline more. Raridon lines up in the slot often on film. His upside is a Mike Gesicki–type tight end who can block, while his floor is likely closer to a Hunter Long–type player.
Eli Raridon | All-22 Film Breakdown
If you have access to the All-22 film room, check out Eli Raridon’s tape against NC State. Just 11 seconds into the film, Raridon shows he can be a capable blocker, engaging his man and sealing the edge to allow the running back to find the open hole and get upfield. Around the 2:21 mark, he lines up in the slot, pushes vertically, and finds the soft spot in the zone coverage for an easy completion. Then at 6:00, Raridon makes a catch over the middle and is hit immediately, but he shows his strength and balance by staying on his feet and continuing to push upfield for extra yards.
Draft Capital | Potential Landing Spots
Eli Raridon is likely going to be an early-to-mid Day 3 pick in the NFL Draft. His combine testing may have helped his stock slightly, but there is still room for development in his overall game. A few teams that could use Raridon’s services include the New England Patriots and the New Orleans Saints.
Raridon could benefit from sitting behind veterans like Hunter Henry or Juwan Johnson for a season or two before potentially taking over a larger role. His ability to operate as a vertical threat down the middle of the field could eventually provide a useful dimension to either offense once he develops further.
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Who is Eli Raridon and why is Eli Raridon a top NFL Draft prospect?
A: Eli Raridon is a tight end from Notre Dame who entered college as a four-star recruit and eventually emerged as a contributor during his senior season. At 6’6” and 245 pounds, he offers the size, contested catch ability, and vertical receiving traits that NFL teams often look for in developmental tight ends.
What is Eli Raridon’s projected NFL Draft range?
A: Based on his college production, late breakout, and overall development needed in his game, Eli Raridon is currently projected as an early-to-mid Day 3 selection in the NFL Draft.
Is Eli Raridon a good dynasty fantasy football rookie pick?
A: Eli Raridon is more of a deep dynasty stash rather than an immediate impact player. In larger leagues or tight end premium formats, his size, contested catch ability, and potential vertical role could make him a developmental option for dynasty managers.
What NFL teams are the best potential landing spots for Eli Raridon?
A: Teams like the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints could make sense as landing spots for Eli Raridon. Both teams have veteran tight ends that could allow him time to develop before potentially stepping into a larger offensive role.
