Ravens’ most underrated camp battle may be at tight end

The Ravens’ most underrated training camp battle may not be at wide receiver, center, or edge rusher.

>It may be at tight end.

>Mark Andrews remains locked in as Baltimore’s top tight end and one of Lamar Jackson’s most trusted targets, but the room behind him looks different. The Ravens no longer have the same depth structure after moving forward without Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar, leaving real snaps available in an offense that has long valued tight end versatility, multiple formations, and physical personnel groupings.

>That makes the competition behind Andrews worth watching closely.

>Durham Smythe gives the Ravens the most experienced option. At 6-foot-4 and 248 pounds, Smythe can help as an in-line blocker, possession target, and veteran presence in a room that needs reliability. Matt Hibner, Josh Cuevas, and Ty Pezza bring different developmental profiles, and all three have a chance to push for roles if they can prove they are more than camp depth.

>The most interesting part of the battle may be the H-back element. Baltimore has Lucas Scott listed as a fullback at 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds, giving the Ravens another potential movable piece if they want to use heavy personnel without relying strictly on traditional tight ends. First-year offensive coordinator Declan Doyle could use that flexibility to build packages around Jackson and Derrick Henry, especially if the Ravens want to stress defenses with motion, split-zone looks, play-action, and extra gaps in the run game.

>The roster math will be important. Andrews is safe. Smythe’s experience gives him a clear path. After that, Hibner, Cuevas, and Pezza must show value on special teams, as blockers and as reliable enough receivers to justify keeping three or four tight ends.

>This battle may not carry the same attention as the center competition or the wide receiver rotation, but it could affect how Baltimore builds its offense. The Ravens need someone behind Andrews who can handle the dirty work, protect the run game, and keep two-tight end packages alive.

>That makes tight end one of the sneakiest camp battles on the roster.

>This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens’ most underrated camp battle may be at tight end