Why the Chiefs should trust the tape over stats with Eli Raridon

The Kansas City Chiefs are beyond the tired narrative of “replacing Travis Kelce.” Yes, there’s still a good chance Kelce comes back for another season, and he’s still been a productive part of the offense. However, the Chiefs are far past finding the next tight end to wait in the wings behind Kelce and learn from him. They now need a tight end who can come in and contribute in more ways than one, especially with Noah Gray as a potential cap casualty.

While finding the “next Kelce” sure sounds good on paper, it’s obviously very difficult and sort of a dying breed in the NFL right now. Kelce was a mismatch weapon who, at his peak, was as good a receiver as any pass catcher in the league. Though an underrated blocker, most of the top tight ends in the league right now don’t play like 2015–2023 Kelce. They’re able to be a real factor in the run game consistently with their hand in the dirt as blockers and are more of seam stretchers rather than route technicians.

The Chiefs can improve both their ground game and their passing game with a player like Eli Raridon, which is why the Chiefs met with him at the NFL Combine. One of my favorite aspects of the 100 Prospects in 100 Days project is watching tape on one player and getting pulled in by another. Eli Raridon was one of those guys for me.

To keep close tabs on the 2026 NFL Draft and the top prospects for the Kansas City Chiefs, make sure to bookmark our Arrowhead Addict Big Board. Our custom big board is tailored toward the Chiefs’ needs and thresholds.

NFL Draft Profile: Eli Raridon, Tight End, Notre Dame

Age: 22 (on draft day)

Height: 6-6 (combine measurements)

Weight: 245 LBS

Hands: 10 3/4 inches

Arms: 32 3/4 inches

Tape Exposure: Texas A&M (2025), Miami (2025), NC State (2025)

Shades of: Theo Johnson

Eli Raridon's background

Raridon attended Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, where he played basketball as well as football. Raridon was the No. 2 tight end prospect in the 2022 recruiting class (behind Oscar Delp and ahead of Colston Loveland). As a four-star prospect rated by 247Sports, he committed to Notre Dame, following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. His father played offensive line for the Irish, and his grandfather was a strength coach for the 1988 national championship team.

Raridon tore his ACL in 2021 during his senior season while playing basketball. He then re-tore his ACL in the same right knee 10 months later as a true freshman. This effectively impacted his freshman and sophomore seasons in college. He completed his college career with 43 receptions, 623 yards, and 3 touchdowns.

Eli Raridon's strengths

NFL Frame

At 6-6, 255 lbs., he moves extremely well for his frame and possesses the ideal tight end build. His long arms help his catch radius and as a blocker as well. His strength shows at the catch point, after the catch, and as a blocker. He ranked 85th on Feldman’s Freaks list for vertical jumping (34 inches) and broad jumping (9-10), bench pressing 350, power cleaning 335, and squatting 535 lbs.

Blocking

Putting together a Jeremiyah Love or Jadarian Price highlight package is secretly an Eli Raridon highlight package. He’s frequently used as a lead blocker or as a puller in the ground game. He’s used both as a Y and H tight end to help in pass protection as well.

Upside as a Reciever

Raridon’s production in college doesn’t really match what he did on tape. He gets open often and is used as a Z receiver, out of the slot, and on the line of scrimmage as a Y/H tight end. The passing game at Notre Dame hasn’t exactly been dynamic over the last two years. Raridon tracks the ball well and stems his routes effectively. He has shown nice ball-tracking skills as well.

Eli Raridon's weaknesses

Injury History

A twice-torn ACL in his right knee is certainly a concern. Reports from the Combine had him “on time” for his podium interviews, which is typically a good sign that there was no delay in the medical exams, though that is speculative.

Lateral Agilty

More of a straight-line athlete, not overly shifty in his routes. His long speed is average, and he can be caught from behind.

Limited YAC

Not going to be a YAC threat at the next level. He’s not quick enough to separate or shifty enough to shake defenders. His main tool is simply being bigger and stronger.

Why Eli Raridon is way more than his production

If you were living in a hole and not following our great draft coverage at Arrowhead Addict, you might be disappointed to see a draft pick with less than 700 yards in his college career. However, the tape and the context—the injuries, the quarterback play, and what he was asked to do as a blocker—tell a much different story. His impact as a receiver is emerging, and his impact as a blocker could make him a Day 1 contributor to the Chiefs’ offense. Part of the solution to the Chiefs’ run game woes is to stop putting below-average blockers on the field at the tight end position.

Eli Raridon has great size and vertical speed. He wins over the middle of the field with strong route timing and stem manipulation. He possesses three-down versatility and solid blocking instincts. Average short-area agility and his injury history limit his ceiling.

Round Grade: Grey Chip (Day 3 Grade)