The Baltimore Ravens are excited about their fourth-round draft pick, tight end Matt Hibner, highlighting their ambitious move to secure him by trading up 21 spots. With the departure of Isaiah Likely, who recorded 69 receptions and seven touchdowns, Hibner is expected to fill a significant role as a pass-catching tight end. At SMU, he showcased his skills with 31 catches for 436 yards and four touchdowns last season, demonstrating versatility and a strong athletic profile. General Manager Eric DeCosta praised Hibner’s potential to be a dynamic target for quarterback Lamar Jackson, likening his playing style to that of Likely.

By the Numbers
  • Matt Hibner registered 31 catches for 436 yards and four touchdowns in his last season at SMU.
  • Isaiah Likely had 69 receptions and seven touchdowns over the past two seasons for the Ravens.
State of Play
  • The Ravens have successfully integrated Hibner into their tight-end-heavy offensive strategy, especially after losing Likely.
  • They also drafted Josh Cuevas in the fifth round, continuing to build depth at the tight end position.
What's Next

Hibner is expected to make an immediate impact in the Ravens' offensive scheme, learning from veteran tight end Mark Andrews. The Ravens will likely continue to develop his role alongside Cuevas and maximize his route-running and receiving abilities. Future matchups in the season may reveal Hibner's effectiveness as a key target for Lamar Jackson.

Bottom Line

The Ravens' aggressive drafting strategy underscores their commitment to enhancing their offensive arsenal, with Hibner being positioned to significantly contribute to their success moving forward. This choice signals a focus on maintaining a strong tight end presence, which has historically benefited the team.