New England Patriots
“I think that those guys are the ones that have the first crack at it.”
As expected, most of the focus on the Patriots entering another summer of training camp has centered on Drake Maye, A.J. Brown, and other stars who will play pivotal roles in determining New England’s fortunes this fall.
But, through eight total practices — including four physical sessions with full pads — several younger and unproven players are starting to make a name for themselves as they fight for a spot on New England’s 53-man roster.
Here are four under-the-radar players who have popped so far during training-camp practices in Foxborough.
Eli Raridon, TE
The loss of free-agent signing Julian Hill to a season-ending injury during OTAs stood as a sizable setback for the Patriots, with the physical tight end expected to slot in behind Hunter Henry on the depth chart as a bruising blocker and reliable pass-catcher.
But, through the first few weeks of training camp, New England seems to have a solid contingency plan in place for Hill’s skillset with a pair of rookies in Eli Raridon and Tanner Arkin.
“I think that those guys are the ones that have the first crack at it,” Mike Vrabel said of his rookie tight ends. “I mean, that’s who’s going to be out there today, and we’ll keep looking and seeing what’s available, who’s available, who we feel like could help us.
“[It’s] a long time before the start of the season, but you want to be able to put those guys in a position to try to earn a role, and then determine after that which direction we think is best for us to head.”
Raridon, New England’s third-round pick out of Notre Dame, has been a regular target so far during camp for all three of the Patriots QBs in Drake Maye, Tommy DeVito, and Behren Morton.
Raridon recorded only 48 catches and started 18 games for the Fighting Irish during his collegiate career, with a pair of ACL tears limiting his reps. But, New England was banking on Raridon’s 6-foot-6 frame and athleticism in hopes that he’d hit his stride at the pro level.
So far, he’s been up to the task, catching several passes during team drills and earning some praise from Maye along the way.
“He’s a big dude, first off, that can run,” Maye said of his first impressions of Raridon on Friday. “I mean, that’s pretty cool, and he is smart. … He understands positions, he understands how to play both positions, the tight end spot. I think he is making plays on the football. That’s what you want to see from a young guy, and he is putting the work in.
“That is the biggest thing with a young rookie. You want to see him go out there and take a rep when he is tired and not call for a sub, and he is doing all the things the right way, and I am looking forward to seeing what he does throughout camp. He has been a great player for us and a great dude.”
Tanner Arkin, TE
Whereas Raridon is looking like a potential TE2 on New England’s roster as a viable target for Maye, Tanner Arkin is also making a legitimate case for a regular NFL role as a battering ram in New England’s run game.
Arkin — an undrafted free agent out of the University of Illinois — has earned some reps with New England’s top offensive unit as a blocker on early downs, while also reeling in a catch from Maye on a drag route on Saturday.
Arkin likely isn’t going to be a dynamic pass-catcher, but the 6-foot-4, 262-pound tight end has shown a willingness to be a punishing blocker who — along with fullback Reggie Gilliam — could aid New England’s run game moving forward this season.
“The competitive spirit, going against Dre [Dre’Mont Jones] and Elijah [Ponder], trying to block, be consistent and be physical. He’s learned what to do quickly,” Vrabel said of Arkin. “I think sometimes, young players, when things start to pile on, they can slow down because they’re thinking a little bit. I haven’t seen that, so hopefully that continues.”
Karon Prunty, CB
Prunty, New England’s fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, has made the most of some added reps handed to him over the last week — especially with veteran cornerback Carlton Davis III sidelined due to an injury suffered during a 7-on-7 drill.
Prunty — a big-bodied defensive back (6-foot-1, 192 pounds) out of Wake Forest — had one of the top plays of Monday’s practice, breaking up a pass from Maye intended for Brown off a go route in the front corner of the end zone.
Prunty has had some growing pains, including giving up a touchdown to Boutte near the end of Monday’s practice. Still, Prunty is looking more like a player who is carving out a spot as valuable depth in New England’s secondary moving forward.
Khalil Jacobs, LB
Tanner Arkin is not the only undrafted rookie who is putting his best foot forward.
New England’s depth chart at linebacker is pretty thin after Robert Spillane and Christian Ellis — especially after the Patriots moved on from Jahlani Tavai, Jack Gibbens, and Marte Mapu over the offseason.
But, Khalil Jacobs is putting himself in the mix alongside veterans K.J. Britt and Chad Muma.
“A very fluid athlete who loves playing football,” Spillane said Saturday of Jacobs, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “A physical player who can also play in the pass game. He’s going to have a very, very bright future ahead of him.”
Jacobs has shown some versatility while repping with New England’s second-team defense so far in camp. He dialed up pressure on Tommy DeVito off a blitz on Saturday before breaking up a pass intended for Mack Hollins on Monday.
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