Ravens’ Remarkable Two-Decade Run of Elite Tight End Play Has Been a Pillar of Offensive Identity and Consistent Franchise Success
Since the turn of the century, the Baltimore Ravens have quietly built one of the most consistent and impressive legacies in the NFL—not only through elite defenses or dynamic running games, but through an enduring commitment to tight end excellence. While franchises like the Patriots, Chiefs, and 49ers have grabbed national headlines for their tight end usage at times, the Ravens have maintained a steady and often dominant presence at the position, turning overlooked prospects and mid-round picks into integral weapons and key building blocks of their offensive identity.
What makes Baltimore’s tight end tradition particularly special is the continuity through shifting eras, offensive philosophies, coaching staffs, and quarterbacks. From the early days of Shannon Sharpe and Todd Heap to the modern dominance of Mark Andrews, the Ravens have remained one of the few NFL franchises that consistently values and utilizes the tight end position as a central element of its attack. That consistency has been vital to the team’s sustained success.
The legacy truly began to crystallize in the early 2000s when the Ravens signed Shannon Sharpe in 2000. Though Sharpe was nearing the end of his Hall of Fame career, his two-year stint in Baltimore helped establish the tone for what the team wanted out of the position: toughness, leadership, versatility, and big-play capability. Sharpe brought a championship pedigree and delivered one of the most iconic plays in franchise history—a 96-yard touchdown reception in the 2000 AFC Championship Game that helped propel the Ravens to Super Bowl XXXV, where they would claim their first Lombardi Trophy.
Following Sharpe’s departure, the Ravens invested in Todd Heap, a first-round pick in the 2001 NFL Draft. Heap became the face of the Baltimore offense for nearly a decade, consistently producing in a period where quarterback play was often erratic. Despite the carousel under center, Heap was a rock: dependable, athletic, and a favorite target for every Ravens quarterback from Elvis Grbac to Steve McNair. He led the team in receptions multiple times and was a two-time Pro Bowler, finishing his career in Baltimore with over 5,000 receiving yards and 41 touchdowns—franchise records for a tight end at the time.
Heap’s impact went beyond the stat sheet. He became a beloved figure in Baltimore, known for his quiet leadership and work ethic. He was also a fierce blocker, something the Ravens have long demanded from their tight ends due to their physical, run-heavy offensive approach. That dual-threat ability—to block in the trenches and stretch the field—became a hallmark of the Ravens’ tight end room.
After Heap’s departure in 2011, the Ravens entered a transitional phase at the position, but one that still produced success. Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta emerged as a formidable duo, particularly during the team’s 2012 Super Bowl-winning season. Pitta, in particular, developed strong chemistry with quarterback Joe Flacco and became a go-to target in the red zone and on third downs. His clutch catches during the 2012 playoff run—most notably a touchdown in the AFC Championship against New England and another in Super Bowl XLVII—cemented his place in team lore.
Pitta’s career, unfortunately, was marred by a series of devastating hip injuries. Despite his resilience and multiple comebacks, he was forced into early retirement. Still, his legacy as a tough, reliable, and productive tight end continued the standard Heap had set. The Ravens, meanwhile, kept investing in the position. Crockett Gillmore, Maxx Williams, and Benjamin Watson all had moments, but none fully stepped into the spotlight until the team struck gold in the 2018 NFL Draft.
That’s when Baltimore selected two tight ends—Hayden Hurst in the first round and Mark Andrews in the third. While Hurst was initially expected to be the centerpiece, Andrews quickly outperformed expectations and took over the top spot. His chemistry with then-rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson was instant, and as Jackson blossomed into a league MVP, Andrews became one of the most dangerous receiving tight ends in the league.
Mark Andrews redefined the role of a tight end in the modern Ravens offense. More than just a safety valve, he became the primary weapon. His route-running, sure hands, and ability to find soft spots in zone coverage made him Jackson’s most trusted target. In 2021, Andrews posted a career-high 1,361 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, earning First-Team All-Pro honors and setting the Ravens’ franchise record for most receiving yards in a single season—by any player, not just tight ends.
Andrews has also played through injuries and has maintained a team-first attitude, often lining up in different formations—inline, slot, wide—to keep defenses off balance. He embodies what the Ravens value in a tight end: toughness, intelligence, and consistency. His leadership has been especially important during periods of offensive transition and injuries to other skill players.
The Ravens haven’t stopped with Andrews, either. Recognizing the value of tight end depth, they added players like Nick Boyle—one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL during his prime—and more recently, Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar. Boyle helped pave the way in the running game for multiple 1,000-yard rushers and was a key piece in Baltimore’s league-leading ground attack during Jackson’s MVP season in 2019.
Likely and Kolar represent the next generation. Likely, a fourth-round pick out of Coastal Carolina in 2022, quickly impressed with his pass-catching ability and athleticism. He has shown flashes of becoming a dynamic complement to Andrews, especially when injuries have sidelined the veteran. Kolar, a big-bodied target out of Iowa State, adds depth and upside, continuing the tradition of investing in and developing versatile tight ends.
From a schematic standpoint, the Ravens’ consistent tight end excellence has allowed them to be more creative and unpredictable offensively. The use of multiple tight end sets has been a staple of both Greg Roman’s and Todd Monken’s offenses, enabling Baltimore to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties while still maintaining a strong run presence. Even in an era increasingly dominated by wide receiver-focused offenses, the Ravens have remained true to their identity—with tight ends often playing as large a role as any wideout on the roster.
It’s also worth noting how Baltimore’s culture, built on physicality, discipline, and development, is ideal for tight ends. The team places a premium on blocking, versatility, and football IQ—traits not always prioritized across the league. As a result, tight ends in Baltimore are not just skill players—they’re foundational parts of the offense. They lead in the locker room, contribute in every phase of the game, and often set the tone with their physicality.
Statistically, the Ravens’ tight end production over the last two decades places them among the league’s elite. Since 2000, they have produced multiple Pro Bowlers, two All-Pros, and more than a dozen seasons with a tight end finishing as the team’s leading receiver or among the top three. While other franchises have seen tight end production spike and fall with individual players, Baltimore has maintained a level of sustained excellence matched by very few.
Looking ahead, the future remains bright. With Andrews still in his prime and Likely emerging as a legitimate weapon, the Ravens appear poised to continue their tight end tradition well into the next era. Their offensive system remains tight-end-friendly, and the development pipeline is strong. As long as the franchise continues to prioritize toughness, versatility, and development, the position will remain a central part of what makes Baltimore football unique.
In a league that constantly evolves, the Ravens have found a rare form of stability and identity through their tight ends. It’s not just a positional strength—it’s a legacy. From Sharpe to Heap, from Pitta to Andrews, and now onto the next wave, the Ravens have shown that while schemes may change and stars may come and go, great tight end play is here to stay in Baltimore.
