Notre Dame’s Eli Raridon Turns Heads at Shrine Bowl, Shows NFL Upside
The Shrine Bowl is often where draft boards start to shake loose from the consensus, and this year, Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon made sure his name got into the conversation. With a strong week of practice and a measurable skill set that jumps off the page, Raridon reminded scouts why he was once one of the most intriguing tight end prospects in the country.
At 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds, with massive 10 5/8-inch hands, Raridon brought a physical presence to Frisco that NFL evaluators couldn’t ignore. He consistently found space over the middle during team drills, showing off his route savvy and strong hands at the catch point.
And he wasn’t just flashing in the passing game-he moved well, too. Raridon hit 19.2 miles per hour on the GPS, a number that stacks up well among tight ends and speaks to his vertical potential.
While LSU’s Bauer Sharp clocked the fastest speed at the event (21.19 mph), Raridon’s ability to move at that size is exactly what teams are looking for in today’s hybrid tight ends.
Raridon’s path to this point hasn’t been without setbacks. Early in his college career, injuries limited his availability and capped his production.
But over the last two seasons, he’s stayed healthy and started to show what he’s capable of. In 2024, he played in all 16 games.
In 2025, he started and played in all 12. That kind of consistency, especially after battling through physical adversity, doesn’t go unnoticed in NFL circles.
This past season, Raridon stepped into the No. 1 tight end role at Notre Dame-a position that’s become a launching pad to the NFL in recent years. He finished the year as the team’s third-leading receiver behind Jordan Faison and Malachi Fields, putting up 32 catches for 482 yards.
His 15.1 yards per reception was a career-best, and he had five games where he averaged over 15.6 yards per catch. One of his standout performances came against NC State, where he caught seven passes for 109 yards, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and serve as a reliable target.
What’s surprising-almost puzzling-is that Raridon didn’t find the end zone once in 2025. It wasn’t for lack of effort or opportunity, but it’s a stat that doesn’t match the rest of his game tape. Still, the lack of touchdowns doesn’t erase what he brings to the table: a big-bodied, athletic tight end who can stretch the seam, block in-line, and create mismatches at the next level.
Across his Notre Dame career, Raridon totaled 48 receptions for 623 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 13.0 yards per catch. Those numbers may not scream “top prospect,” but when you factor in his injury history, his late-career surge, and his performance at the Shrine Bowl, the picture becomes clearer. He’s trending up-and fast.
Right now, Raridon isn’t projected to go in the first two days of the draft. But come day three, he could be one of those picks that makes a GM look smart a year or two down the line.
His size, athleticism, and pedigree-coming from a program that’s churned out NFL tight ends-give him a strong foundation. And with his recent stretch of health, teams may feel more confident in taking a shot on his upside.
Notre Dame fans will also recognize a few other names who stood out at the Shrine Bowl. Navy’s Eli Heidenreich and USC’s Eric Gentry-both of whom the Irish faced this past season-had solid showings as well. But it was Raridon who may have helped himself the most, turning a week in Frisco into a potential ticket to the pros.