Notre Dame NFL Draft hopeful calls CJ Carr 'the most elite quarterback'

Eli Raridon didn't have the kind of career he hoped to have at Notre Dame. Still, after a productive final season in South Bend, he's hoping to make the jump to the NFL. But before he does so, he wants people to know just how good his quarterback in 2025, CJ Carr, really is and will be moving forward.

"He's the most elite quarterback I've played with," Raridon said at the NFL Combine earlier this week. "Just incredible to see him so young, just lead our offense, lead our team. He's an incredible leader."

"I've never seen someone prepare so well," Raridon continued, gushing about his former Notre Dame teammate. "He works his butt off, and the way he throws the ball, the ball placement's perfect, and he's got all the... All the potential in the world to be the number one overall pick."

Eli Raridon praises CJ Carr’s leadership and preparation after final Notre Dame season

"It was such a blessing to play with him this year. He put me in a lot of good situations, and it's going to be a great quarterback for Notre Dame."

During his career in South Bend, Raridon suffered not one, but two ACL tears that sidelined him for most of his time with the Fighting Irish. However, he did put together a solid 2025 season, and Carr being his quarterback had a lot to do with it.

This past year, the tight end hauled down 32 passes for 482 yards. Those numbers were very easily his career best. More importantly, he showed he can still stretch the field despite his knee problems, averaging 15.1 YPC and including a 65-yard catch.

With that kind of season in his final year with Notre Dame, Eli Raridon made himself someone the NFL is giving a long, hard look at. It's clear he credits CJ Carr at least in part for getting a chance at the next level.