Hunter Henry may have the contract extension, but Eli Raridon is the name turning heads in Patriots training camp.
The New England tight end room got a little more interesting after Henry landed a two-year, $20 million extension, a move that reinforced how much the Patriots still value him after he helped get them to the Super Bowl last season. Henry has been grinding in camp to build chemistry with Drake Maye, yet the early snap counts suggest he’s facing real pressure from a rookie.
Raridon, the Patriots’ No. 95 pick in April, has reportedly worked his way into a larger role than the veteran. According to the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan, the 22-year-old has actually seen more first-team work than Henry.
“What gives? Raridon's simply become a more consistent and trusted target for both quarterbacks. (Tommy) DeVito found him for a two-point conversion on Tuesday, one day after Maye targeted him twice in a two-minute drill,” observed Callahan.
“More specifically, Raridon is winning more decisively at the top of his routes and creating enough separation to pull away, which helps immensely as a long strider who can win short but primarily threatens defenses at the intermediate level.”
That doesn’t necessarily mean Henry is slipping out of the picture. Mike Vrabel could also be using camp to build Raridon’s confidence and get him fully up to speed, while Henry already knows the system well entering his sixth season with the Patriots.
Still, Raridon’s background makes him more than just a camp curiosity. The Notre Dame standout has a real shot to force the issue, and training camp is the place for him to prove he can contribute right away.
“How Raridon handles more physical coverage bears watching moving forward,” added Callahan.
The Patriots open their preseason on Thursday against the Indianapolis Colts.
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