Ravens Make NFL History as the Only Team With Two Tight Ends Ranked in Top 10 Leaguewide in Expert Survey Results
The Baltimore Ravens have long prided themselves on building a balanced offensive attack, one rooted in physical dominance and creative scheming. While much of the NFL has shifted to wide receiver-driven firepower, the Ravens have remained committed to a philosophy that places tight ends at the heart of their offensive blueprint. That commitment is being recognized on a national scale now more than ever.
In a recent leaguewide survey conducted among coaches, executives, and analysts, the Ravens became the only team in the NFL with two tight ends ranked in the top 10 — a testament to the team’s unique offensive construction and the standout talents of Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely.
This recognition isn’t merely a nod to the Ravens’ tight end depth; it signals something more significant about the trajectory of the franchise and how Baltimore is redefining positional value in a league increasingly enamored with pass-happy spreads and one-dimensional speedsters on the perimeter.
Since being drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Mark Andrews has grown into one of the league’s most productive and respected tight ends. Known for his crisp route running, reliable hands, and physicality after the catch, Andrews has become a security blanket for Lamar Jackson and a mismatch nightmare for opposing defenses.
Andrews’ consistency has earned him three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro nod in 2021. That season, he led all tight ends in receiving yards (1,361), receptions (107), and touchdowns (9), proving that he could carry the load of a WR1 while still functioning within the unique confines of Baltimore’s run-first system.
Despite dealing with injuries in 2023, Andrews still finished with 544 yards and 6 touchdowns in just 10 games — and he showed once again that when he’s on the field, the Ravens’ offense operates with a different rhythm. It’s not just the stats that earn him the accolades; it’s the leadership, tenacity, and clutch performances that separate him from the pack.
Then there’s Isaiah Likely, a 2022 fourth-round pick out of Coastal Carolina who has rapidly exceeded expectations. At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Likely blends receiver-like agility with tight end toughness, making him a versatile asset in both the passing and running games.
As a rookie, Likely flashed his potential with 373 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, but it was in 2023 where he truly broke out. With Andrews sidelined late in the season and into the playoffs, Likely filled the TE1 role admirably. He posted 5 touchdowns in the final five regular season games, finishing the year with 411 yards and 5 scores on just 30 catches.
His ability to step in during crucial moments, particularly when defenses were game-planning against Baltimore’s run-heavy attack, showcased his composure, readiness, and dynamic skill set. Coaches across the league took note, and now Likely’s place in the top 10 survey makes it clear: the Ravens have not just one elite tight end, but a future star in the making.
What makes this accomplishment even more compelling is how the Ravens have designed their offensive system to fully exploit the tight end position. Under offensive coordinator Todd Monken, the Ravens utilize multiple tight end sets more frequently than most teams. These formations allow Baltimore to remain unpredictable — running effectively with extra blockers or creating mismatches in the passing game against slower linebackers or smaller defensive backs.
Monken’s scheme takes full advantage of Andrews’ and Likely’s complementary skill sets. Andrews thrives on intermediate routes, tight-window catches, and red zone efficiency, while Likely stretches the seam, operates in space, and adds yards after the catch. The result is an offense that can toggle between smashmouth football and explosive aerial attacks — without ever needing a WR1 in the traditional sense.
This approach has helped the Ravens remain competitive even as injuries have plagued their receiving corps in recent years. While other teams scramble to build wide receiver depth behind their stars, the Ravens have invested in a different model — one that’s paying off in both production and recognition.
To be the only team with two tight ends in the top 10 is no small feat, especially in an era of freak athletes like Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Kyle Pitts dominating headlines. Baltimore’s unique presence in the rankings speaks to their commitment to development, smart drafting, and a cohesive offensive identity.
It’s also a feather in the cap of tight ends coach George Godsey, whose work with both players has drawn praise internally and externally. The transition from Andrews to Likely — and potentially utilizing both on the field simultaneously more often — is a coaching success story as much as it is a personnel victory.
Around the league, other teams have tried to mimic Baltimore’s formula, drafting athletic tight ends in hopes of finding the next mismatch machine. But few have had the success Baltimore has in turning mid-round picks into stars. This is not just about raw talent; it’s about culture, scheme, and player development all aligning perfectly.
Of course, any discussion about tight end success in Baltimore would be incomplete without mentioning Lamar Jackson. The reigning MVP has always shown strong chemistry with Andrews, dating back to their breakout 2019 campaign together. Jackson’s ability to extend plays, read mismatches, and trust his tight ends in critical moments elevates both Andrews’ and Likely’s value.
In many ways, Lamar’s play style benefits tight ends more than traditional outside receivers. His mobility draws safeties in, opening up the intermediate middle of the field — prime territory for tight ends to operate. And because of his unpredictable movement in the pocket, tight ends often find themselves in scramble drill situations where chemistry and timing matter most.
Jackson’s evolution as a passer under Monken — particularly his willingness to spread the ball and take deeper shots — also plays a role in unlocking the full potential of Andrews and Likely. If 2024 continues the upward trend, both tight ends could exceed last year’s numbers and solidify their elite status even further.
Looking ahead, the Ravens’ tight end advantage is more than just a statistical curiosity — it’s a strategic weapon. In a league obsessed with wide receivers, Baltimore has zagged while others zigged, and it’s giving them a different kind of edge.
In matchups where defenses are built to stop spread passing attacks, the Ravens can punch you in the mouth with tight ends who block like tackles and catch like receivers. Against teams trying to slow down Jackson’s legs, the middle of the field remains exposed — a gold mine for smart, tough tight ends like Andrews and Likely.
This dynamic is part of what makes Baltimore so difficult to prepare for and why they remain perennial playoff contenders. With Andrews still in his prime and Likely ascending rapidly, the Ravens have found themselves with an embarrassment of riches at a position that most teams struggle to fill with even one quality player.
The Ravens’ distinction as the only NFL team with two top 10 tight ends is more than a bragging right — it’s a window into what makes the organization so effective. In a copycat league, Baltimore has doubled down on what works for them: physical football, intelligent design, and maximizing the tight end position.
As other franchises look to flashy skill players and high-volume passing offenses to lead the way, the Ravens continue to carve their own path. With Andrews and Likely leading the charge, Baltimore is proving that there’s still room in the modern NFL for a tight end-driven attack — and that two elite tight ends might just be better than one superstar receiver.
If the latest league survey is any indication, the rest of the NFL is finally starting to take notice.
