The New England Patriots added a promising pass-catching weapon to their offense on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon with the 95th overall pick. The move provides the Patriots with a versatile, athletic option at a position that has seen significant turnover in recent years. As the draft excitement settles, the team also made a pair of corresponding moves, officially releasing wide receiver John Jiles and tight end Marshall Lang on Monday, April 27, 2026.
Let's break down what Eli Raridon brings to Foxborough and what these early post-draft roster adjustments indicate about the Patriots' direction moving forward.
Eli Raridon: Notre Dame's Versatile Tight End Joins New England
For fans who may not be familiar with Eli Raridon, he is a standout tight end who played collegiately at the University of Notre Dame. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds, Raridon presents an impressive physical profile with the length and athleticism that can reshape New England's offensive sets.
While his blocking ability is still developing, Raridon's strength lies in his versatility as a receiving threat. At Notre Dame, he lined up both inline and split out wide, showing the ability to create separation and outmuscle defenders at the catch point. His natural hands and body control allow him to high-point the football effectively, a coveted trait for tight ends in tight coverage situations.
Raridon's athleticism also translates to a red zone threat, where his size and catch radius can create mismatches. Though not fully polished, his speed and agility give the Patriots offense a dynamic weapon that can stretch defenses vertically and across the field.
This third-round selection underlines the Patriots' commitment to building a long-term solution at tight end. With the current group lacking a definitive primary option, Raridon's arrival adds competition and fresh potential.
What Raridon Means for the Patriots Offense and Special Teams
Under head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, the Patriots offense has pivoted toward incorporating younger, more explosive players who can adapt to versatile roles. Eli Raridon fits this blueprint as a multi-dimensional athlete.
While his route running requires refinement, his physical tools provide an early advantage. He has demonstrated the ability to adjust to off-target throws, a key attribute for a developing playmaker quarterback Tommy DeVito will rely on.
On the blocking front, while Raridon may not yet be a dominant force, his aggressive mindset and willingness to improve will be assets. The coaching staff, led by their tight ends coach, is tasked with honing his technique and maximizing his potential.
Special teams could be a forum where Raridon makes immediate contributions. His size and speed combo enabled him to participate in coverage units at Notre Dame, providing another avenue to secure a roster spot and earn playing time as a rookie.
Post-Draft Roster Moves: Releases of John Jiles and Marshall Lang
The Patriots wasted no time following the draft, announcing the release of wide receiver John Jiles and tight end Marshall Lang on April 27, 2026. These moves come as the team prepares its 90-man roster ahead of rookie minicamp and offseason training activities.
John Jiles, a 6-foot-3 receiver who originally joined the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2024, spent the 2025 season on the practice squad. Known for his solid speed and impressive preseason highlights, Jiles faced an uphill battle to crack the depth chart with the influx of draft picks and established veterans at wide receiver. His release reflects the team's confidence in its current receiving corps heading into the new season.
Tight end Marshall Lang, who entered the league as a priority free agent, showed glimpses of promise in practice but was yet to translate that into significant game action. With the addition of Raridon and other investments at tight end, Lang's roster spot became tenuous. While he may clear waivers and return to the practice squad, his release signals a fresh start for the position group.
These roster adjustments are standard for this phase of the offseason, as teams fine-tune their personnel and create opportunities for undrafted rookies and tryout players over the coming months.
Projecting the Impact: What This Means for the Patriots
Monday's draft and subsequent roster moves highlight the Patriots' proactive approach to reshaping their offensive skill positions. Selecting Eli Raridon at No. 95 overall demonstrates a strategic effort to identify and develop a long-term tight end cornerstone.
The releases of John Jiles and Marshall Lang underscore the competitive nature of the roster and the desire to prioritize younger talent with higher ceilings. For Raridon, this creates a clear path to meaningful playing time if he can quickly assimilate the playbook and stay healthy.
Raridon joins a tight end room without a locked-in No. 1 option, allowing him the opportunity to compete immediately. His ability to contribute on special teams further enhances his value, potentially securing his place on the active roster as the season approaches.
Meanwhile, the door remains open for both Jiles and Lang to pursue opportunities elsewhere or potentially return to the Patriots later in the offseason should circumstances warrant it. The Patriots have a history of re-signing players to fill roster needs as injuries or other moves dictate.
Looking Ahead to Rookie Minicamp and Beyond
As rookie minicamp begins, eyes will be on Raridon to see how quickly he acclimates to the rigors of NFL scouting, play-calling, and physical competition. Coordination with new quarterback Tommy DeVito will also be key, as trust in the passing game is essential.
The Patriots coaching staff, alongside general manager Eliot Wolf, will closely evaluate Raridon's progress through OTAs and training camp. These next few months are critical for the 2026 draft class as they look to earn roles and make an impact.
The arrival of Eli Raridon not only adds depth to the Patriots tight end position but also signals a commitment to inject youth and athleticism into the offense. With uncertainty still around who will emerge as the top receiver targets, Raridon's presence could provide a key piece in the evolving puzzle.
The 2026 season may still feel months away for many fans, but in Foxborough, the Patriots are already hard at work shaping the roster for success. From draft night excitement to the ongoing roster adjustments, the foundation is being laid for what could be a promising chapter in New England football.
The calendar may say spring, but the Patriots' next era has officially begun.
Roster Notes:
- Drafted: TE Eli Raridon (Notre Dame) - 3rd round, 95th overall
- Released (April 27, 2026): WR John Jiles, TE Marshall Lang
Coaching Staff (2026):
- Head Coach: Mike Vrabel
- Offensive Coordinator: Josh McDaniels
- Defensive Coordinator: Zak Kuhr
- General Manager: Eliot Wolf
- Special Teams Coordinator: Jeremy Springer
This article was updated to reflect the correct college of Eli Raridon and verified roster moves as of April 27, 2026.