The Baltimore Ravens continued to stockpile offensive weapons on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Alabama tight end Josh Cuevas in the fifth round. The pick, announced roughly 30 minutes ago, marks the second tight end the team has added in this draft class, signaling a clear strategic pivot at the position.
For a franchise that has long prided itself on smash-mouth football and heavy personnel groupings, this year's draft approach is both intriguing and telling. The Ravens are not just looking to replace departed veterans -- they are reimagining what the tight end position looks like in their offense.
Double-Dipping at a Premium Position
Cuevas joins the Ravens' rookie class as the second tight end selected by general manager Eric DeCosta, following an earlier Day 3 pick. The investment represents a significant shift in how the team views the room. Coming out of the 2025 season, the Ravens rostered a mix of established veterans and unproven young players, but the roster makeup left plenty of room for competition.
The decision to double-dip at tight end is backed by solid logic. In offensive coordinator Declan Doyle's system, multiple tight end sets are not just a luxury -- they are a necessity. Doyle's scheme utilizes tight ends as extensions of the offensive line, seam stretchers, and red-zone mismatches. Having two or three capable bodies at the position allows the Ravens to present different looks without substituting personnel, keeping defenses guessing.
Cuevas brings a distinct skill set that complements the team's first tight end selection. While the earlier pick may profile more as an inline blocker with receiving upside, Cuevas is a pass-catching specialist who can flex out wide, motion into the slot, and create separation underneath. It is a classic "thunder and lightning" pairing, and one that could pay dividends as early as training camp.
Scouting Report: What Josh Cuevas Brings to Baltimore
A transfer who finished his college career at Alabama, Cuevas originally made a name for himself at the FCS level before proving he could compete in the SEC. That journey speaks to his adaptability and work ethic -- traits the Ravens have historically valued highly in later-round selections.
Receiving Ability: Cuevas is at his best when the ball is in the air. He possesses soft, reliable hands and the body control to make contested catches in traffic. At Alabama, he was used extensively on intermediate routes -- crossers, digs, and seams -- where his ability to find soft spots in zone coverage was on full display. He also showed a knack for adjusting to off-target throws, an essential skill for any young pass catcher.
Athletic Profile: While not an elite burner, Cuevas tests out as a fluid athlete with good change-of-direction ability. He accelerates well off the line and can sink his hips in and out of breaks, making him a difficult cover for linebackers and a matchup problem for safeties. His route tree is more developed than most Day 3 tight ends, a testament to the coaching he received in Tuscaloosa.
Run Blocking: Here is the area that will determine how quickly Cuevas sees the field. He is willing as a blocker but lacks ideal play strength and pad level consistency. In the SEC, he was often overpowered by edge defenders and bigger linebackers when asked to seal the edge. The Ravens coaching staff will need to work with him on technique and functional strength. If he can become a serviceable blocker, his receiving upside could force him onto the field in 12 personnel packages.
Special Teams Value: One often overlooked aspect of late-round picks is their special teams contribution. Cuevas has the size and motor to contribute on kick coverage and punt return units. His willingness to do the dirty work will endear him to the coaching staff and could secure his roster spot during camp battles.
Fit in the Ravens Offense
The Ravens' passing attack has evolved significantly since Lamar Jackson's MVP seasons, but the tight end remains the heartbeat of the offense. Looking at the current depth chart, the team has a proven veteran at the top of the room, but behind him, the production drops off sharply. Injuries and inconsistent play have left the Ravens searching for reliable secondary options.
Cuevas projects as a move tight end in the NFL -- a player who lines up in the slot, on the wing, and even out wide. That versatility is exactly what Doyle looks for in his "joker" role. By placing Cuevas in motion and using pre-snap movement, the Ravens can create mismatches against slower linebackers or smaller defensive backs.
The addition of Cuevas also protects the offense against potential regression or injury from the starter. If the veteran remains healthy and productive, Cuevas can develop at a comfortable pace, learning the nuances of the NFL game without the pressure of day-one expectations. If injuries strike -- and they always do in the AFC North -- the Ravens will have a ready-made replacement who knows the playbook and has rapport with Jackson.
Draft Philosophy: Banking on Upside
Day 3 picks are inherently volatile. The fifth round, in particular, is where teams take calculated risks on players with high upside but clear flaws. Cuevas fits this mold perfectly. He has the receiving talent to outplay his draft slot significantly, but he must improve his blocking and special teams value to secure a roster spot.
The Ravens have a strong track record of developing tight ends. The organization has consistently found value at the position, whether through the draft or undrafted free agency. The culture of competition and detailed coaching gives Cuevas a legitimate chance to outperform his draft capital.
By selecting two tight ends in this draft, the Ravens are also signaling a potential philosophical shift. As the NFL continues to embrace spread concepts and positionless football, Baltimore is positioning itself to match up with the modern AFC -- a conference loaded with dynamic passing attacks. Having multiple tight ends who can run routes, block, and create mismatches is a direct counter to the lighter, faster defenses that have become the norm.
What Comes Next
For Cuevas, the work begins now. Rookie minicamp will be his first opportunity to show the coaching staff what he can do in a Ravens uniform. OTAs and mandatory minicamp will follow, where he will begin building chemistry with Jackson and learning the intricacies of Doyle's offense.
The depth chart will be far from settled when training camp opens. Cuevas will have to compete not only with the earlier drafted tight end but also with returning veterans and any undrafted free agents the team brings in. The Ravens have never been an organization that simply hands roster spots to draft picks -- everyone earns their place.
Still, the fifth-round investment suggests the front office sees real potential. Cuevas has the receiving chops to become a productive NFL tight end. If he can round out his game and contribute on special teams, the Ravens may have found another late-round gem at a position they treasure.
Final Thoughts
The selection of Josh Cuevas is not the headline-grabbing move of a first-round pick. It is the kind of calculated, forward-thinking decision that builds championship rosters. The Ravens are not just drafting for immediate need; they are drafting for scheme fit, positional value, and long-term development.
In a draft class that has already brought in a complementary tight end, adding Cuevas further solidifies the room. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, having depth at a premium position is not a luxury -- it is a necessity. The Ravens understand that. And with this pick, they have taken another step toward ensuring their offense has the weapons it needs to compete at the highest level.
Welcome to Baltimore, Josh Cuevas. The standard is set. Now it is time to meet it.
