Ravens Bullish on Young Tight Ends to Complement Mark Andrews

Ravens' new offensive coordinator Todd Monken is already excited about the potential of the team's tight ends.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Ravens are confident they have one of the best groups of tight ends in the NFL.

These playmakers could further thrive under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who already has some new ideas about their role in the offense.

"Once you get out of the run, play-action world, now you’re in a matchup world – running backs that can win on linebackers; tight ends that can win – and it forced them [to either] go big, and you win matchups, or are they going to go small, and you’re better off in the run game," Monken said at his introductory press conference for the Ravens. "Those guys create matchup issues for you, which is a great starting point.”

Mark Andrews has established himself as one of the best tight ends in the league and he led the Ravens in targets (113), receptions (73), yards (847), and touchdowns (5). He also made the Pro Bowl for the second consecutive year. Andrews managed those gaudy stats despite facing double teams for much of the season because the Ravens didn't have a true threat at wide receiver. 

Nick Boyle is the best blocking tight end in the NFL but he was hampered for much of the year with a devastating leg injury that he suffered in 2020. 

Boyle's future with the team is uncertain, but Josh Oliver did an effective job filling his role. Oliver is an unrestricted free agent but the Ravens will try to keep him in the fold.

Baltimore is also bullish on a pair of young playmakers. 

Isaiah Likely, a rookie fourth-round pick, shined in training camp but had struggled to get on the field. Still, expectations are high for him. Fellow rookie Charlie Kolar had hernia surgery before the season and had a minimal impact, but he has potential. 

"The fact of the matter is that [Andrews] is a tremendous player," Monken said. "He’s done it for a number of years. [Then] you’ve got a young player [Isaiah Likely] who is learning how to play at the professional level. But they both have the ability to make plays down the field, run after catch. So, it’s a great starting point, because I think they’re tough matchup guys."

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