Patriots Draft Eli Raridon, Boosting Tight End Room

0:00It's April 27, I'm Cory with the story, and this is NFL News Today, Football News, powered by AI. The New England Patriots beefed up their tight-end room this offseason by cutting Austin Hooper and signing Julian Hill, but they weren't done. In the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, they grabbed Eli Raredin from Notre Dame, a promising pass catcher looking to crack the line up. Raredin steps into a spot with real opportunity behind the scenes. The pat see him as a guy who can grow fast and contribute right away, especially with his hands for reeling and throws. Hunter Henry holds down the top tight-end role, staying a reliable target for Drake May in his third year as quarterback. Fans and analysts like the depth building here, as it gives May more weapons without rushing anyone. Julian Hill's mainly a blocker from his dolphins days, so he won't eat up receiving snaps. That leaves Rune for Raredin to slide in as a compliment, much like Hooper did last season before bouncing. The pat are playing smart, letting Henry produce while grooming Raredin for bigger things down

1:02the line. This draft pick sets them up solid for now, and the future at the position.