Baltimore Ravens rookies impress at OTAs as respected analyst surprisingly ranks Isaiah Likely ahead of veteran tight end Mark Andrews.

As NFL teams ramp up preparations for the upcoming season, few storylines have grabbed headlines like the Baltimore Ravens’ impressive rookie class and the surprising development in their tight end room. At the center of the conversation is Isaiah Likely, the second-year tight end who, despite being drafted behind Mark Andrews on the depth chart, is now being ranked above the Pro Bowler by at least one prominent voice in the NFL media.

That surprising claim, combined with the emergence of several promising Ravens rookies at Organized Team Activities (OTAs), is fueling speculation about the future shape of Baltimore’s offense—and what this means for one of its most established stars.

Ravens Rookies Making Noise at OTAs

The Ravens entered OTAs with several questions, particularly regarding how their younger players would perform in a roster still stacked with veterans. So far, those questions are being answered resoundingly.

Baltimore’s rookie wide receivers, defensive backs, and offensive linemen have all made strong impressions. However, it’s Isaiah Likely—technically not a rookie, but still one of the youngest offensive weapons on the team—who has drawn the biggest spotlight.

Observers have noted Likely’s chemistry with Lamar Jackson, his precise route-running, and his natural catching ability. One coach anonymously told a reporter at the practice, “He looks like a TE1 right now.”

Isaiah Likely’s Breakout Offseason

Likely, a fourth-round pick from Coastal Carolina in the 2022 NFL Draft, had a solid rookie campaign. He caught 36 passes for 373 yards and three touchdowns, including a standout performance in Week 18 with Andrews sidelined. That game — where he posted 103 yards on 8 catches — seemed to foreshadow his potential.

This offseason, however, Likely has taken things to another level. According to multiple Ravens beat reporters and analysts attending practices, Likely has been a consistent top performer in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.

“He’s more than a backup,” said one Ravens reporter. “He’s making a real case to be one of the featured pass catchers, period.”

Andrews vs. Likely: What the Analyst Said

The controversy began when respected NFL analyst and former scout Greg Cosell, appearing on a national podcast, said the following:

“If you’re talking right now—on tape and based on versatility—Isaiah Likely might give you more than Mark Andrews. He’s quicker off the line, more creative in space, and brings a level of unpredictability that defenses really struggle with.”

This statement caused a stir online and among Ravens fans. Mark Andrews has been the undisputed No. 1 tight end in Baltimore since 2019, making multiple Pro Bowls and racking up over 4,000 receiving yards and 34 touchdowns across five seasons.

Still, Cosell clarified that he wasn’t diminishing Andrews’ production or leadership—only noting that the Ravens may now have a “1A and 1B” situation at tight end, not a clear No. 1 and No. 2.

Mark Andrews: Still Elite, But Feeling Pressure?

To suggest Mark Andrews is losing a step may seem premature. He remains one of the NFL’s most productive tight ends and Lamar Jackson’s longtime favorite target. He’s strong, savvy, and has elite chemistry with the Ravens’ QB.

But injuries have limited his availability in recent years, and his production dipped slightly in 2023. Whether that’s due to scheme changes, Jackson’s evolving reads, or increased competition is still up for debate.

What’s clear is that the Ravens may be preparing for a future where Andrews doesn’t carry the entire load at tight end. And Likely’s rapid development could accelerate that timeline.

A Two-TE Offense? Ravens Could Reignite a Trend

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken has not been shy about praising both tight ends. During a recent press conference, he addressed the idea of using Likely and Andrews on the field together:

“We want to put our best athletes on the field. If that means two tight ends, two backs, or four wide receivers, we’ll do it. Both [Andrews and Likely] give us unique looks and mismatches. That’s a good problem to have.”

The potential of a dual-tight end system evokes memories of the Patriots’ Gronkowski-Hernandez era or the Eagles’ Zach Ertz-Dallas Goedert pairing.

Having two dynamic tight ends allows for unpredictable formations, play-action deception, and superior red zone efficiency.

Likely’s Upside: What Scouts See

When the Ravens drafted Likely in 2022, he was considered a “move tight end” — more of a hybrid wide receiver than a traditional blocker. But this offseason, he’s reportedly added muscle and refined his technique in pass protection.

Scouts describe him as:

• Fast for a TE (4.60 40-yard dash)
• Excellent body control and hands
• Dangerous in space and after the catch
• Able to line up at TE, slot, or even wide

This versatility makes him an ideal chess piece for Monken’s system, which thrives on motion, mismatches, and forcing defenses to adjust on the fly.

Could Andrews Be Trade Bait?

One unavoidable question emerging from this offseason buzz is whether the Ravens might explore trading Andrews—particularly if Likely continues to rise and they see an opportunity to get value for the veteran.

While there’s no credible report that Baltimore is shopping Andrews, NFL general managers always think a few moves ahead. Andrews’ contract runs through 2025, and while he’s not excessively expensive, a younger, cheaper option like Likely could make such a decision financially viable down the line.

Still, any talk of a trade is speculative at best. More likely, the Ravens will seek to maximize both players’ strengths—especially in an AFC packed with elite offenses.

The Rookie Class: Who Else Is Shining

While Likely’s emergence is dominating headlines, several Ravens rookies are also turning heads at OTAs:

• Devontez Walker (WR): The rookie from North Carolina has shown blazing speed and smooth route-running.
• Nate Wiggins (CB): The first-rounder from Clemson has broken up several passes in 11-on-11s.
• Rasheen Ali (RB): An undrafted back from Marshall, Ali has reportedly looked electric in space and is pushing for a roster spot.

If these rookies continue to develop, Baltimore may have one of the most dynamic and deep young rosters in the league.

The Ravens are in a rare position of strength, boasting both proven veterans and promising young talent at key positions. Isaiah Likely’s offseason emergence is not a sign that Mark Andrews is fading—but rather that Baltimore may be evolving toward a more balanced, versatile attack.

If Monken finds a way to leverage both tight ends, the Ravens could become nearly impossible to defend in short-yardage, red zone, and play-action situations.

“This is the best kind of competition,” Likely said after practice. “Iron sharpens iron. Mark is one of the best in the league—I learn from him every day. But I’m hungry too.”

And that hunger could be the X-factor Baltimore needs in its quest to unseat Kansas City and take the next step toward a Super Bowl.