The New England Patriots addressed two positional needs — offensive tackle (Caleb Lomu) and edge rusher (Gabe Jacas) — with their first two picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, and they did it again with their pick in the third round Friday night.
The Patriots selected Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon with the No. 95 overall pick.
After losing Austin Hooper in free agency, the Patriots needed to add another tight end behind veteran Hunter Henry on the depth chart.
Raridon is listed at 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds.
He tallied 32 receptions for 482 yards in 12 games for the Fighting Irish this past season. Raridon is a willing blocker but needs to improve in that area.
He tore an ACL in 2021 and then tore the same one again in 2022, but he’s been healthy of late and played in 28 games over the past two seasons.
The Patriots currently have five picks on Day 3 of the draft. Some of their remaining roster needs include safety, wide receiver, linebacker and defensive tackle.
