The Baltimore Ravens are facing some intriguing challenges with their tight end lineup this offseason. The decision to extend franchise cornerstone Mark Andrews late in 2025 has left the futures of backup tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar hanging in the balance.
Initially, it seemed like Likely and Kolar were poised to take over the reins. However, with Andrews' extension, both are heading into free agency. Likely, in particular, has been turning heads, and recent comments suggest he might not be keen on returning to Baltimore.
General Manager Eric DeCosta has expressed a desire to keep the 25-year-old Likely, but with other teams showing strong interest, his price tag might soar beyond the Ravens' comfort zone. The 2026 NFL Draft offers some potential replacements, yet the standout performance by Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers at the NFL Combine might have put him out of reach for Baltimore.
Stowers, who was already a top prospect, dazzled at the Combine. While Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq grabbed headlines with a blazing 4.39 40-yard dash, Stowers wasn't far behind, clocking in at 4.51. His 45.5-inch vertical leap and a record-setting 11-foot, 3-inch broad jump have made him a hot commodity.
Here are some highlights from his Combine performance:
- Eli Stowers ran a 4.51 40-yard dash, showcasing his speed.
- His 45.5-inch vertical is the second-best since 2003.
- Stowers set a new Combine record for tight ends with his broad jump.
Given the Ravens' heavy investment in Andrews for 2026, they might not need to draft a tight end early. However, Baltimore’s affinity for utilizing tight ends is well-known. Andrews’ contract includes an out in 2027, potentially saving $9.6 million in cap space, which could make Stowers an appealing future option.
Stowers had an impressive final season at Vanderbilt, racking up 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns, earning All-American honors. His athleticism and receiving skills make him an ideal replacement for Likely, but his stellar Combine performance might push him out of Baltimore’s draft range.
If the Ravens decide to target a high-caliber tight end, trading back into the late second round or early third could be strategic. Yet, Stowers' Combine success might propel him into the early second round, possibly before Baltimore’s selection. Teams like the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, and Kansas City Chiefs, all in need of tight ends, could swoop in before the Ravens get their shot.
There's still a chance that Isaiah Likely returns, and if not, Charlie Kolar might step up into a more prominent role. However, if both depart, the draft remains the best option for the Ravens to reload. It just might not be Eli Stowers joining the squad this time around.