The Baltimore Ravens aren’t desperate at tight end. But they’re also not naive. Mark Andrews is entering the final year of his deal. Isaiah Likely’s contract is as well. And so is Charlie Kolar's. Suddenly, one of the deepest position groups in Baltimore is starting to feel a little murky.
Eric DeCosta didn’t commit to anything when asked about Andrews’ future at his pre-draft presser. He praised the three-time Pro Bowler and called him a “warrior,” but sidestepped any hint of a guarantee:
"I never know what's going to happen, and I would never want to say this or that, but I can tell you this. Mark Andrews is a warrior, and he's played his butt off for us, and his competitiveness, his talent, his attitude [and] his leadership is so valued here. He's a great player, and we're in the business of keeping as many great players as we can, so there's always a lot of unpredictability with the Draft."
That’s not nothing. Especially with the draft just a week away—and with every tight end on the roster headed for free agency after 2025. So no, it wouldn’t be shocking if the Ravens used one of their Day 3 picks on a tight end. In fact, DeCosta all but said it’s on the table.
Which means it’s time to look at who might fit the mold.
4 under-the-radar TEs the Ravens could draft after Eric DeCosta’s Mark Andrews comments
Gunnar Helm (Texas)
Helm isn’t flashy, but he’s reliable—and that’s exactly what Baltimore loves in a TE2 or TE3. His sure hands, zone awareness, and ability to create yards after the catch make him an ideal fit in Todd Monken’s quick-hitting passing game. Think of him as a more refined version of Charlie Kolar coming out of school but with more natural instincts as a pass-catcher and less wasted movement.
He’ll need time in an NFL strength program before he can hold up consistently as an in-line blocker, but the bones are there. His red zone polish and pass protection ability make him a plug-and-play piece on Day 3. With every Ravens tight end on an expiring deal, Helm offers the highest floor of the bunch with a path to a long-term role, especially if the Ravens shift more into 11 and 12 personnel next season.
Jake Briningstool (Clemson)
If Baltimore is looking for a true receiving-first tight end to stash and develop, Briningstool makes a ton of sense. He’s a long-striding, fluid mover who knows how to sit in zones, win up the seam, and give Lamar Jackson a clean throwing window over the middle. The 6’6” frame doesn’t hurt either, especially in red zone sets where spacing tightens up.
The blocking? Not ideal. Briningstool gets bullied at the point of attack and won’t be asked to take on edge defenders any time soon. But with Mark Andrews’ contract status up in the air and Isaiah Likely still proving his consistency, Briningstool is a nice hedge at a fraction of the price. He could thrive in Baltimore’s layered route concepts and provide another mismatch weapon against safeties and linebackers.
Mitchell Evans (Notre Dame)
Evans feels like a classic Ravens Day 3 pick. Big-bodied, battle-tested, and a tone-setter in the run game, he’s the kind of tight end who could step into Patrick Ricard’s hybrid role or rotate in early as a reliable Y in heavy sets. His catch radius and contested catch ability also add a little pop to his game, especially in play-action and scramble drills.
The medical history is worth watching, but Evans’ tape screams “glue guy.” He doesn’t need a ton of touches to make an impact. He just gets open, catches what’s thrown to him, and blocks with real urgency. If the Ravens want someone who can handle the dirty work and develop into a steady in-line contributor, Evans is probably the most plug-and-play TE in this range.
Terrance Ferguson (Oregon)
Ferguson is the most polished receiver of this bunch—and the only one with true Day 2 potential. He runs sharp routes, tracks the ball well, and has just enough juice to threaten defenders up the seam. As a pass-game complement to someone like Likely, he’d give Lamar Jackson another big-bodied target with reliable hands and strong football IQ.
His blocking is fine, not great, and he likely maxes out as a high-end TE2. But if the Ravens are prepping for life after Andrews (or just want a more explosive insurance plan) Ferguson has the tools to contribute early and grow into a bigger role. He’s been productive at a Power 5 level and brings versatility that would mesh well in Monken’s formation-flexible offense.
Honorable mention: Elijah Arroyo (Miami)
If the Ravens want to take a swing on upside, Arroyo is the guy. He’s athletic, explosive, and dangerous after the catch. The former four-star recruit is finally healthy and showed this past season why he was so hyped coming out of high school. Arroyo can line up in the slot, stretch the field vertically, and create mismatches with linebackers in space.
The catch? Durability and blocking limitations. Arroyo isn’t ready to hold up in a traditional in-line role, and there’s not a long track record of consistent production. Still, as a big slot TE or move piece behind Likely, the talent is undeniable. If he somehow slides to Day 3, it’d be hard for Baltimore to pass on the long-term upside... even if it takes a year to fully unlock.