YO! RAVENS BANKING ON IT Ravens GM Eric DeAndrews Costa: Mark , Isaiah Likely will be best TE tandem in NFL in 2024.
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The Baltimore Ravens enter the 2024 season with questions at wide receiver.
Eric DeCosta, general manager, reaffirmed his “bullish” view that Rashod Bateman, a previous first-round pick, will eventually make a breakthrough. Even if that happens, the offense will not be able to reach its peak for the Ravens without more from Bateman and Zay Flowers.
Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, two tight ends, step into the possible void.
Three-time Pro Bowler Andrews is regarded as one of the NFL’s most dependable tight ends. He has an incredible rapport with Lamar Jackson. After two seasons, probably still has opportunity to develop.
Going into Year 3, DeCosta was ecstatic with the 24-year-old tight end’s progress.
“Zay [Isaiah Likely] is my favorite. DeCosta stated, “He is a playmaker,” according to the team’s official transcript. “He can run routes well; in certain aspects, he resembles a receiver. When I assessed him in college, his strength after the catch was the one thing you kind of hung your hat on and said, “This kid was dangerous with the football in his hands.” He is just another person; there seems to be a rush about him. His relationship with other players, his leadership… He is definitely evolved from a rookie to an experienced player, and I believe that he and Mark Andrews will be the league’s greatest duo at their position and a major headache for opposition defensive coordinators.Likely was a fourth-round pick in 2022 and as a rookie, he recorded 373 yards on 36 receptions and three touchdowns. His numbers from the previous year, when he gained 411 yards on 30 receptions and five touchdowns, barely improved.
The Ravens anticipate using both tight ends extensively on the field together. Probably’s aptitude for the post will be crucial. According to Next Gen Stats, Andrews took 227 (49%) of his snaps from the slot last season with just 205 (44%) tight, despite missing a significant amount of activity.
Derrick Henry’s offseason acquisition could boost the Ravens’ ground assault right away. Defenses will have a harder time matching up with the dominant running back and two pass-catching tight ends, especially in the red zone.
The Ravens are banking on it.
