The Baltimore Ravens have built much of their offensive identity around the tight end position for years. From Todd Heap to Dennis Pitta and now Mark Andrews, the organization has consistently found ways to make the position a focal point of the attack.
That trend may not be changing anytime soon. In fact, if Andrews' recent comments are any indication, Ravens fans could see the tight end room become even more involved under first-year offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, who has already praised Andrews' work ethic publicly.
Baltimore's offense has been one of the most discussed storylines of training camp. Doyle arrived with a reputation for detail, creativity, and versatility. Receivers like Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman have already spoken
about being utilized in new ways, leading many to wonder how the changes might impact Andrews and the rest of the tight end room.
Andrews spoke with the mediaduring a Ravens joint practice vs. the Washington Commanders. When asked whether tight ends could benefit from the new system, he didn't hesitate to provide an answer.
"There are a lot of great opportunities, for sure. I think it is a very versatile offense. I think that all the tight ends are going to be able to do their thing [and] shine, and it has been really fun to get out there, do some blocking and find ways to get open. It is going to be a fun offense. I am excited. Everybody is really able to kind of make their way in it."
Andrews' comments fit a theme that has emerged throughout training camp. Doyle has repeatedly stressed versatility and putting players in positions to maximize their strengths. The Ravens have also spent much of the offseason installing a demanding offense that asks players to understand concepts rather than simply memorize assignments.
Declan Doyle's system appears built for tight ends
For tight ends, that could translate into a wider variety of responsibilities and opportunities. The position group has undergone significant change since last season. Andrews remains the centerpiece, but younger players such as Matt Hibner and Josh Cuevas have been competing for larger roles alongside veteran Durham Smythe.
Doyle recently acknowledged that he has a specific vision for how the position can be utilized, while also emphasizing that individual roles are still sorting themselves out. Andrews also pointed to the growth of the entire room when discussing training camp.
"Each and every day, [Matt Hibner and Josh Cuevas] find ways to get better. And really, the whole tight end group has just been incredible. It starts with Coach [Zack] Grossi... All those guys, they are working hard each and every day."
That's an encouraging development for a team that has traditionally gotten some of its best offensive football from the tight end position. Andrews has already established himself as one of the most productive players in franchise history, but Doyle's comments throughout camp suggest this offense isn't designed to funnel opportunities to one player alone.
If the system functions the way the Ravens envision, Andrews, Smythe, Hibner, Cuevas, and the rest of the room could all find ways to contribute. For an offense built on versatility and matchup advantages, that's exactly the type of flexibility Baltimore hopes will create problems for opposing defenses.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Mark Andrews says Ravens tight ends will shine in new offense
