FOXBORO — Patriots quarterbacks are having fun with one of their new weapons.

Rookie tight end Eli Raridon has come on strong in the first week of training camp, ascending the depth chart and regularly making plays.

Raridon caught three touchdowns during 7-on-7s on Friday and hauled in another pass during 11-on-11s. He’s regularly working as the Patriots’ No. 2 tight end behind Hunter Henry and looks like he could take on a significant role as a rookie.

Day 6 of Patriots training camp and Herald beat reporter @DougKyed discusses the growing connection between Drake Maye and A.J. Brown while a rookie has started to stand out in camp. pic.twitter.com/RBxltGSZrO

— Boston Herald Sports (@BosHeraldSports) July 31, 2026

“He’s a big dude, first off, that can run. I mean, that’s pretty cool, and he’s smart,” Patriots starting quarterback Drake Maye said Friday. “He went to Notre Dame. And I know he’s another guy that, you know, half-ACC, half not, but we like to call ourselves smart in the ACC. So, he understands positions. He understands how to play both positions at the tight end spot, and I think he’s making plays on the football. That’s what you want to see from a young guy, and he’s putting the work in. That’s the biggest thing with a young rookie. You want to see him go out there and take a rep when he’s tired, and not kind of call for himself. And he’s doing all the things the right way, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he does throughout camp. And he’s been a great player for us and a great dude.”

Backup quarterback Tommy DeVito’s eyes lit up when he was asked about Raridon.

Since Raridon is working behind Henry, most of his targets have come from DeVito.

“Have you seen him? That’s a big target. I bet you’d want to throw to him too,” DeVito said. “I mean, he’s big, he’s athletic, his confidence is growing. Trying to get more savvy with the offense, like as it’s going. But that just comes with time and how many reps he gets. So, just keep trying to get as many reps as we can. I know he’s got a lot of information coming at him. I know I’ve been a rookie before in a situation like this. So just keep him encouraged, keep him going. But he’s got awesome hands, he’s got the frame. He’s got everything going for him. So, I’m looking forward to seeing how he plays this year.”

Veteran tight end Julian Hill was supposed to allow the Patriots to stay patient with Raridon as Henry’s backup, but he suffered a season-ending injury in the spring. That leaves Raridon, undrafted free agent Tanner Arkin, Jack Westover, Jeremiah Franklin and Mitch Van Vooren at tight end until CJ Dippre is activated off of the PUP list.

Raridon was selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame. He didn’t have a breakout season until his senior year after suffering two torn ACLs in college.