Review of the Ravens’ 2023 roster: tight ends

analyzing the performance of each position group on the team during the previous campaign.

All 32 teams in the league have officially begun their offseason after the 2023 season concluded. Examining the performances of every position group on the Baltimore Ravens before fully turning the page toward free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft is a helpful exercise in figuring out what went right or wrong and where to go from here.

I’ll analyze every player at every position’s performance from the previous season and their prospects for 2024 in this series of articles. Next are the tight ends, who are a coverage nightmare due to their explosive playmaking ability.

Mark Andrews

When he sustained a serious ankle injury in Week 11 during a hip drop tackle, the three-time Pro Bowler was expected to have another outstanding season. He was sidelined until the AFC Championship game. Andrews had racked up 45 receptions on 61 targets for 544 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 10 games before his tragic injury setback. He was out of the last six games of the regular season, but he still led the team in touchdown receptions, second in catches, and third in targets and receiving yards.

The next player on this list made significant contributions, so the passing attack of the Ravens was not completely destroyed by the six-year veteran’s absence. As long as he stays healthy and available going forward, he will continue to be quarterback Lamar Jackson’s most reliable target.

Isaiah  Likely

Despite showing promising moments as a rookie while Andrews was sidelined, the 2022 fourth-round pick was headed for a sophomore slump after just nine receptions on 12 targets for 89 receiving yards through the first 11 games of the season. made the most of his more prominent role in the offense in the final six games of the regular season and two postseason games following Andrews’ injury. He recorded 25 receptions on 34 targets for 372 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

By season’s end, he’d probably cemented himself as one of the best in the league at the position, giving the Ravens two elite players in Andrews and him. He demonstrated that he is an extremely potent playmaker and should be included more frequently in the offense going forward. In 2021 and 2022, Todd Monken, the offensive coordinator for the Ravens, did a fantastic job of using two tight end sets for the University of Georgia Bulldogs, who were two-time national champions. Using their current pass-catching group’s strength is the best course of action because there will likely be some turnover at the wide receiver position and limited resources available in free agency.

Kolar Charlie

Although he didn’t play a significant role on offense as a pass receiver, the Ravens’ other 2022 fourth-round selection at the position saw action in 15 games. However, his contributions as a run blocker were crucial to the team’s success on the ground, particularly in the red zone. Kolar saw more special teams snaps (251-230) than he did offensive snaps, but he still managed to score his first touchdown and set career highs in receiving yards (87), targets (nine), and receptions (seven).

If the Ravens are unable to select a noteworthy receiver in the first few picks of the 2024 NFL Draft, Kolar, who is entering his third season, may see an increase in his usage in the passing game. In either case, he will continue to be a vital special teams player and the Ravens’ main blocking tight end.

Patrick Ricard

After Monken was hired, the four-time Pro Bowler’s position and job security were questioned, but he demonstrated that he belonged in any lineup the Ravens ran because of his versatility as a lineman and extra tight end. Participating in every 17 games, he amassed 52 receiving yards with five receptions on nine targets, including a career-long of 28 yards and his sixth touchdown.

If there isn’t an extension before the new season begins, Ricard will be entering the final year of his current contract in 2024. As long as he’s on the team, his ability to be a punishing run blocker and provide one-on-one pass protection at the end of the line will be invaluable, despite the fact that his position is rarely used in the league.