Ravens: 4 offensive position battles to watch in 2021 training camp
By Justin Fried
4. Ravens roster battle: No. 3 tight end
While it might not be the first position battle that springs to mind, the battle for the third tight end spot will be fierce and competitive.
Mark Andrews is the undisputed starter and will look to continue making his case to be one of the NFL’s premier tight ends — especially with the former Pro Bowler eyeing an extension.
Nick Boyle’s health is something to keep an eye on as the veteran tight end recovers from a knee injury he suffered last season. But if healthy, Boyle will return as Andrews’ primary backup.
The competition behind them is where things really get interesting, however.
The likes of Josh Oliver, Eric Tomlinson, Eli Wolf, Jacob Breeland, and Tony Poljan will all be competing for what could amount to one or two roster spots — depending on what the team does with fifth-round rookie Ben Mason.
Even Mason could see some time at tight end with Patrick Ricard holding down the fullback position.
Given what we saw in the spring, Oliver appears to be the early favorite. The former third-round pick was acquired in a trade this past March and could push for playing time now that he’s healthy.
His blocking skills remain to be seen, but he impressed as a pass-catcher.
Tomlinson is the veteran blocker/special teamer of the group while Wolf flashed at times after making an impact last summer. Breeland is just looking to get on the field as he continued to rehab this spring.