Ravens bullish on key duo that can make all the difference for the offense

Lamar Jackson's offense still has questions at wide receiver.

But one area Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta feels the team will fare well is at tight end.

On the roster are Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. It is a duo DeCosta feels is the best tight end tandem in the league.

"I love 'Zay' [Isaiah Likely]. He's a playmaker," DeCosta said via the team's official transcript. "He's got route-running ability -- [he's] similar to a receiver in some ways. [He's] strong after the catch; that's something that going back to college when I evaluated him, that's the one thing you kind of hung your hat on, 'This guy was dangerous with the football in his hands.' He's another guy -- I've seen an urgency with him.

"His leadership, interaction with other players ... He's kind of changed from being a rookie to being a vet, and I just feel like he and Mark Andrews will be the best tandem at their position in the league and really create a lot of problems for opposing defensive coordinators."

Likely is looking to have an increased role in the passing game. He has seen incremental increases in his receiving numbers since his 2022 rookie season.

In his rookie season, Likely nabbed 36 catches and 373 yards. Then, in 2023, Likely grabbed 30 balls and amassed 411 yards and five touchdowns.

Heading into 2024 with Andrews and Likely, Baltimore is looking to lay claim to the best tight end duo in the league.