3 bold predictions for Baltimore Ravens tight ends in 2023

2. Charlie Kolar will push Isaiah Likely for Baltimore Ravens number two tight end

This goes into what we were saying on the last slide. The emergence of Charlie Kolar is not anything to look away from. He has a chance to make real noise this season. Kolar was not just a blocking tight end at Iowa State. He was the top target for Brock Purdy on the Cyclones offense.

Kolar put up 697 yards as a sophomore, and 591 yards as a junior. In his senior season, he put up 756 yards. He is a producer. Yes, Isaiah Likely stood out, but most of that was because they had no other options to throw the ball to. Charlie Kolar presents a new option.

What got him drafted higher than Likely, and what may keep him on the field is that he is bigger, more athletic and a better blocker than Likely. He looks like the more traditional tight end, and he will gain more respect in-line. Still, he also may have more of a presence down the field, and in the redzone.

This may be more about the luxury the Ravens have than it is disparaging Likely in any way. However, the growth of Kolar could be an underrated storyline, and his taking targets away from the top dogs would be a major story.