Scout1 Assessment
Eli Raridon (Notre Dame, TE) is the most alignment-versatile tight end in this batch and the player who generated the most upside evidence from film. Across 22 frames spanning games against Miami and Texas A&M, Raridon is documented in every major TE alignment: inline right and left (three-point stance, traditional Y-TE), attached wing/H-back position, detached flexed slot 5-6 yards from the formation, and — most notably — a true slot split with a wide receiver aligned outside of him, approximately 8-10 yards from the line. This range of deployment mirrors how elite NFL tight ends operate in Kansas City, San Francisco, and Dallas concepts. Notre Dame's coaching staff has already built multi-alignment packages around Raridon, which tells you they believe the receiving ability is real, not theoretical.
The goal-line blocking evidence against Miami and Texas A&M is meaningful. Against Texas A&M — an SEC front seven with legitimate NFL-caliber edge defenders — Raridon appears inline in short-yardage packages, hand-in-the-dirt, with proper base width and forward lean in his stance. Notre Dame wouldn't trust a blocking liability in those critical situations against that caliber of opponent. His pre-snap stance across blocking contexts shows consistent knee bend and proper weight distribution across both hands and feet. In the one clearly identifiable live-play blocking frame from the Texas A&M game, his body position shows reasonable pad level and active engagement with the defender's frame — he's not washed out on contact.
The route-running potential is the most exciting finding from this sample. Frame 9 from the Miami game shows Raridon in a true slot alignment with a receiver outside him — a pure receiving deployment you rarely see for traditional blocking TEs. A seam route candidate visible in one of the Texas A&M live-play frames suggests the Notre Dame staff is already designing concepts for him to threaten the middle of the field vertically. Miami's nickel or safety is matched over him in these slots, not a linebacker, indicating the defense treats him as a legitimate receiver. The one limitation from this film is that I cannot evaluate catch-point mechanics or separation at the top of routes from pre-snap stills alone. But the alignment diversity and competition-level blocking trust against Power 4 elite opponents make Raridon the standout TE in this batch. At board rank 236, this film suggests he may be undervalued.
Key Film Findings: Documented in all 5 major TE alignment variants (inline R/L, wing, detached slot, wide slot) — the most versatile deployment profile of any TE in this film batch | Inline goal-line blocking trusted against Texas A&M's SEC-caliber edge defenders — Notre Dame staff deploys him in the game's highest-leverage short-yardage situations | True slot alignment with WR outside him in Miami game suggests coaching staff has already designed seam route / mismatch concepts around his receiving ability [confidence: medium]
Film Score: 61 / 100
Scout2 Assessment
Eli Raridon possesses prototypical TE size at approximately 6'6", 250 lbs, with exceptional length evident in pre-snap stances like MIAM_scene_0001.jpg and MIAM_scene_0009.jpg, where he towers over defenders. His lean frame shows fluidity in motion (TEXA_scene_0001.jpg), but requires added mass for NFL power.\n\nBlocking reveals inconsistencies; he plays upright with poor anchor in TEXA_scene_0008.jpg engagements and struggles sustaining in MIAM_scene_0007.jpg combos, though willing and versatile in alignments (MIAM_scene_0001.jpg). Technique needs refinement for point-of-attack effectiveness.\n\nReceiving profile excels with alignment versatility (MIAM_scene_0004.jpg slot), clean route stems creating separation (TEXA_scene_0004.jpg), and potential YAC stride (TEXA_scene_0006.jpg red zone). Hands and body control project well for seam threats.\n\nOverall, 62/100 mid-round developmental prospect with elite traits offset by blocking deficiencies (TEXA_scene_0008.jpg). Projects as backup TE3 early, starter potential in pass-heavy schemes if adds strength.
Key Film Findings: Elite length & frame (MIAM_scene_0001.jpg) | Blocking pad level issues (TEXA_scene_0008.jpg) | Route separation (TEXA_scene_0004.jpg) [confidence: high]
Film Score: 62 / 100
Film Score Summary
Scout 1 Score: 61 · Scout 2 Score: 62 · Composite Score: 61.5
*Film analysis is based on All-22 footage reviewed independently by two scouts. Scores reflect on-field evidence and may differ from pre-film model projections.*