Baltimore’s draft haul took a clear directional turn when the Ravens selected Eli Hibner and Marco Cuevas, two tight ends who bring contrasting skill sets but a shared ability to expand the offense’s intermediate and red‑zone options.
The pair represents a deliberate push to give quarterback Lamar Jackson more reliable targets over the middle and in contested situations, while also adding blocking heft for a run game that wants to be physical.
Duo Drafted Ravens TEs Continue the Tradition
Hibner is the archetype of the modern move tight end: sub‑6‑4, athletic, and slippery in space. At his best, he creates separation on crossing concepts, finds soft spots in zone coverage, and turns short targets into chunk plays after the catch.
Cuevas, by contrast, is a classic Y‑tight end, bigger, more physical, and comfortable finishing blocks at the point of attack. He’s the kind of player who can line up in-line, help on the edge in the run game, and still be a reliable target in the red zone.
“We wanted to add players who can do more than one thing,” offensive coordinator Declan Doyle said. “Eli gives us movement and mismatch creation in space. Marco gives us toughness and a true in‑line blocker who can also win contested throws. Together, they make our offense harder to defend.”
Immediate Roles and Schematic Fit
Expect Hibner to be worked into the slot and move‑TE packages early, where his route timing and separation can be maximized without asking him to carry the full blocking load. He projects as a third‑down weapon and a potential chain‑mover on early downs.
“Coach told me they want guys who can help right away,” Hibner said after the selection. “I’m ready to run, block, and make plays in space. Whatever helps this team win, I’ll do it.”
Cuevas’ path to snaps is more traditional: early‑down blocking, two‑tight end sets, and red‑zone packages where his size and body control at the catch point are assets.
Cuevas echoed the team‑first message. “I love the physical part of the game,” he said. “If that means I’m sealing the edge on third‑and‑short or going up for a jump ball in the end zone, I’m all in.”
Why this matters for a New Look Offense
Adding two tight ends with complementary skill sets gives the Ravens more schematic flexibility. Behind Mark Andrews, they can both develop and replace the roles Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar had.
With Hibner on the field, Baltimore can stress defenses horizontally and create mismatches against linebackers in coverage. With Cuevas, the Ravens can lean on heavier personnel to grind out yards on early downs and present a bigger target in the red zone.
That combination helps protect Jackson by shortening third‑down distances and providing reliable check‑down and seam options when the pocket collapses.
Analysts have long noted that Jackson’s best offenses balance vertical threat with dependable intermediate options; Hibner and Cuevas help tilt the roster toward that balance without sacrificing the run game’s physical identity.
Developmental Upside and Realistic Expectations
Neither pick is a guaranteed star on Day One, but both have clear developmental paths.
Hibner’s route polish and release techniques can be refined in the NFL’s faster windows, while Cuevas can add nuance to his route tree and improve separation on intermediate breaks. Special teams will likely be the quickest route to consistent snaps for both, a common path for rookie tight ends to earn trust and playing time.
“We’re not drafting projects to sit on the bench,” general manager Eric DeCosta said. “We’re drafting players who can be coached into roles that matter. Eli and Marco fit that mold.”
Baltimore’s decision to draft Hibner and Cuevas is a statement about identity: the Ravens want to be physical, versatile, and difficult to scheme against. These two tight ends give the offense more ways to attack the middle of the field, more red‑zone options, and more blocking depth up front.
If the coaching staff can accelerate their development, Hibner and Cuevas could be the kind of mid‑round finds that quietly change how an offense operates late in the season.
