Heading in to the 2022 NFL season, the Baltimore Ravens expect to return to the playoffs after an injury-plagued 2021 season. To help the cause, they were able to have one of the better drafts in the league, led by GM Eric DeCosta.
They began the draft with two steals in the first round in Kyle Hamilton and Tyler Linderbaum. The theme continued throughout the rest of the draft, as the Ravens walked away with a lot of added talent. Now, let's take a look at a rookie sleeper for the Baltimore Ravens in the 2022 season.
Ravens Rookie Sleeper for 2022 NFL Season
For years, the Ravens have utilized two tight-end sets. This has been particularly important since Lamar Jackson took over the offense, creating a whole new system. Mark Andrews is not only their No. 1 TE, but he's their primary, go-to option as a whole. Behind him though, the team didn't get much production in 2021. Hayden Hurst was traded away two years ago, and Nick Boyle was expected to step in as the primary backup. That has yet to materialize, as he caught just one ball for two yards in 2021 in five games. Beyond Andrews, Josh Oliver's 66 receiving yards was second-best amongst Ravens tight ends. Eric Tomlinson also left the team, as he signed with the Broncos in the offseason.
Now, in steps former Iowa State Cyclone Charlie Kolar. The Ravens selected him in the fourth round with the 128th overall pick. To begin with, he has some work to do in order to step in as that No. 2 tight-end in Baltimore, particularly with his blocking. At 6'6″, Kolar has all of the ability and size to form a lethal duo with Andrews. He played 43 games in college and had quite the career, as he walked away as the best tight end in Iowa State history. Kolar caught 168 passes for 2,181 yards and 23 touchdowns in the Big 12. Over the years, the Ravens have been able to nurture raw products at the tight end position into viable NFL players. Kolar couldn't have asked for much better of a situation, despite the fact that he'll just be a backup.
Andrews is just one year in on his four-year, $56 million deal. He's become one of the best tight ends in all of football. He especially broke out in 2021, as he set career-highs in catches (107) and receiving yards (1,361). As a result, Andrews made the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career to go along with being named to the NFL All-Pro team. Establishing another option at tight end will help open up the Ravens offense much more. The loss of Marquise Brown puts even more pressure and responsibility on the tight ends to perform.
The Ravens took yet another tight end just 11 picks later in Coastal Carolina's Isaiah Likely. Standing at the same height as Kolar, Likely is a legit option moving forward as well. With that being said, Kolar will likely (no pun intended) have the smoother transition due to his sturdy hands and college competition. It'll be a true battle as to just who the Ravens keep around. Boyle may be the odd man out with the two fourth-rounders now in the mix. With that being said, Boyle's blocking would be what would keep him on the team. Kolar and Likely are more known for their receiving abilities and with a backup TE, blocking is important.
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