Watch: Patriots rookie TE catches TD pass after Mike Vrabel message
· Yahoo Sports
New England Patriots minicamp has finally concluded, and we are now seeing some highlights from the spring practices. One notable highlight includes Patriots quarterback Drake Maye throwing a touchdown pass to rookie tight end Eli Raridon.
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Raridon could have a larger role in the offense than initially anticipated, as second-string tight end Julian Hill went down with a season-ending injury during a practice session. For now, however, it’s about building a connection with the quarterback, and that was evident in this particular clip.
The rookie tight end came running across the middle, and Maye found him in stride for an easy touchdown pass.
"[Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is] going to coach every detail," Vrabel told Raridon. "You worry about the speed and the finish."
Raridon could make some noise heading into training camp. At the very least, the Patriots have a younger backup option behind experienced veteran Hunter Henry. The Notre Dame star finished with 482 receiving yards in his final collegiate season.
Last week, Mike Vrabel highlighted the importance of rookies playing too fast in spring so they’re ready for the play speed of training camp
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) June 18, 2026
Here’s the HC passing a similar message to Eli Raridon, who caught a TD at one point during the final practice https://t.co/WlDfndkTOkpic.twitter.com/g0AQEYMkCb
Raridon offers a great blend of blocking abilities paired with tremendous pass-catching skills. With Henry turning 32 years old later this year, the hope is that Raridon could one day serve as the No. 1 tight end for a future Patriots team.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Watch: Patriots rookie TE catches TD pass after Mike Vrabel message