Ravens Add Versatile Tight End Josh Cuevas With Fifth-Round Pick

The Baltimore Ravens added another versatile offensive weapon during the 2026 NFL Draft when general manager Eric DeCosta selected Josh Cuevas in the fifth round with the No. 173 overall pick. The former Alabama Crimson Tide tight end arrives in Baltimore after one of the most unusual college football journeys in this draft class. Stops at Cal Poly Mustangs, Washington Huskies and Alabama helped shape Cuevas into a seasoned veteran who brings receiving ability, route-running skill and positional flexibility to Todd Monken’s offense.

Baltimore doubled down at tight end during this draft after the departures of Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar in free agency. Cuevas joined fourth-round pick Matthew Hibner as part of a complete retooling behind veteran star Mark Andrews. Ravens evaluators clearly valued Cuevas’ ability to move around the formation, create yards after the catch and contribute immediately in multiple offensive packages.

Coverage of the Ravens’ draft strategy already dominated the front page at throughout draft weekend. Baltimore’s aggressive approach at adding offensive depth mirrored several offseason moves analyzed on the site, especially after the franchise emphasized improving offensive versatility around Lamar Jackson.

Another recent breakdown at highlighted Baltimore’s continued commitment to athletic pass catchers who thrive after the catch. Cuevas fits that mold perfectly after producing explosive plays at multiple college stops.

Draft analysts across the league praised the value Baltimore found late in the draft. Reports from noted that Cuevas’ football experience and maturity could allow him to contribute faster than many Day 3 selections.

From California Roots To The NFL

Cuevas grew up in Burbank, California and attended Campbell Hall School in Los Angeles. Multi-sport athleticism showed up early during his prep career. Coaches used Cuevas as a receiving weapon all over the formation while also relying on him as a blocker in power-running sets.

Campbell Hall competed against strong Southern California competition every season. Cuevas consistently produced despite facing several nationally ranked programs. Recruiting services viewed him as an underrated prospect because of his versatility and willingness to handle multiple assignments instead of posting gaudy receiving numbers in a pass-heavy offense.

High school coaches praised Cuevas for toughness and football IQ more than raw measurables. Tight ends often struggle to stand out at the prep level because offensive systems rarely feature the position consistently. Cuevas still flashed strong hands, body control and open-field movement skills.

Senior-year production helped elevate his recruiting profile. Cuevas reportedly totaled more than 500 receiving yards and several touchdowns during his final high school season while contributing heavily as a blocker and special teams player. Recruiting attention eventually arrived from several West Coast programs before Cal Poly secured his commitment.

That decision started one of the most unique developmental paths in recent college football memory.

Cal Poly Development Built The Foundation

Cuevas arrived at Cal Poly as a lightly recruited athlete with intriguing upside. The program immediately saw potential in his route-running ability and versatility.

The 2021 season served as a developmental year. Cuevas redshirted while appearing in four games. Even limited action hinted at future production after totaling four catches for 56 yards.

Everything changed during the 2022 season.

Cuevas emerged as one of the most productive tight ends in the Big Sky Conference. Defensive coordinators struggled to match up with his athleticism against linebackers and safeties. Cal Poly consistently targeted Cuevas in red-zone situations and on third downs.

The breakout numbers jumped off the page:

• 54 receptions
• 622 receiving yards
• 6 touchdowns
• Third-team All-Big Sky honors

Cuevas led the Mustangs in touchdown receptions and became one of the focal points of the offense. NFL scouts began taking notice because of his ability to separate from coverage and create after the catch.

Production at the FCS level does not always translate directly to NFL potential, but evaluators loved Cuevas’ competitiveness and reliability. Coaches trusted him in every situation. Quarterbacks looked for him constantly during pressure moments.

That strong season also opened the door to Power Five opportunities through the transfer portal.

Washington Experience Added Big-Game Exposure

Cuevas transferred to Washington Huskies for the 2023 season and joined a loaded roster competing for a national championship. The move paired him with head coach Kalen DeBoer and exposed Cuevas to elite competition every week.

Targets naturally dropped because Washington featured one of the deepest receiving corps in college football. Still, Cuevas carved out an important rotational role.

Washington coaches valued his blocking effort and football intelligence. Cuevas handled dirty work assignments that rarely generate headlines but often determine whether offenses function smoothly.

The Huskies reached the national championship game during Cuevas’ lone season in Seattle. Practicing and competing in that environment helped prepare him mentally for the NFL.

Statistics from Washington did not overwhelm evaluators:

• 18 receptions
• 168 receiving yards
• 2 touchdowns

Yet scouts focused more on context. Cuevas played against top-tier defenses every week and still flashed reliable hands and movement skills.

When DeBoer accepted the Alabama coaching job, Cuevas followed him to Tuscaloosa.

That decision elevated his draft stock dramatically.

Alabama Turned Cuevas Into An NFL Prospect

The transfer to Alabama Crimson Tide placed Cuevas under the brightest spotlight in college football. Every practice, every game and every rep received NFL-level scrutiny.

Cuevas responded with the best football of his career.

Alabama used him creatively all over the field. Offensive coordinators lined him up inline, in the slot, in the backfield and even in motion packages designed to create mismatches.

The 2025 season established Cuevas as a legitimate NFL draft prospect:

• 37 receptions
• 411 receiving yards
• 4 touchdowns

Additional advanced metrics also impressed scouts. PFF credited Cuevas with strong receiving grades and dependable efficiency throughout the season.

Quarterback Ty Simpson frequently targeted Cuevas during critical situations. Third downs, red-zone possessions and two-minute drills often featured the tight end as a safety valve.

NFL evaluators especially loved three parts of Cuevas’ game:

1. Route-running precision
2. Yards-after-catch ability
3. Competitive toughness

Several scouting reports described Cuevas as an undersized but reliable receiving tight end who could develop into a rotational weapon at the professional level.

NFL Combine Helped Cement Draft Status

Cuevas entered the pre-draft process needing a strong athletic showing. Questions about size and blocking ability followed him throughout the year.

The NFL Combine answered several concerns.

Measurements included:

• 6-foot-3
• 245 pounds
• 4.65-second 40-yard dash
• 34-inch vertical jump

Those testing numbers reinforced what appeared on film. Cuevas moves more like a large receiver than a traditional blocking tight end.

Baltimore historically values athletic versatility at tight end. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken loves players who create matchup confusion. Cuevas checks those boxes immediately.

Scouts also praised his football background. Few prospects entered the draft with experience in as many offensive systems or conferences.

Cuevas handled:

• FCS football
• Pac-12 competition
• SEC defenses
• National championship preparation
• Multiple offensive schemes

That experience matters.

Rookie tight ends often struggle mentally during the transition to the NFL. Cuevas already learned several playbooks and adjusted to multiple coaching staffs throughout college.

Ravens See Versatility And Scheme Fit

The Ravens rarely draft players without a clear developmental vision. Baltimore clearly identified a role for Cuevas inside Monken’s offense.

Early reports suggest the organization views Cuevas as:

• A movable receiving tight end
• An H-back option
• A potential hybrid fullback piece
• A special teams contributor

Baltimore’s offense constantly shifts formations and personnel groupings before the snap. Cuevas fits perfectly inside that philosophy because defenses must account for his receiving ability.

Mark Andrews still anchors the tight end room, but Baltimore needed additional depth after losing veterans in free agency. Cuevas could immediately compete for rotational snaps.

Several analysts compared his potential usage to a smaller, more athletic version of Patrick Ricard with better receiving upside.

That hybrid role creates intriguing possibilities.

Imagine:

• Two-tight-end sets with Andrews and Cuevas
• Motion packages creating linebacker mismatches
• Play-action concepts targeting Cuevas underneath
• Screen passes using his open-field movement

Baltimore loves offensive unpredictability. Cuevas adds another chess piece.

Strengths That Stand Out On Film

Route Running

Cuevas runs routes with precision rarely seen from Day 3 tight ends. Footwork at the top of routes consistently creates separation against linebackers.

Alabama frequently trusted him on timing concepts because quarterbacks knew where Cuevas would appear.

Hands

Drops rarely plagued Cuevas during college. Several scouting reports specifically praised his reliability in traffic.

Strong hands become especially important in Baltimore’s offense because Lamar Jackson throws with velocity outside structure.

Run After Catch Ability

This trait probably pushed Cuevas onto Baltimore’s draft board.

Tight ends who create extra yards transform offenses. Cuevas consistently forced missed tackles at Cal Poly and Alabama. Quick acceleration after the catch helped generate chunk plays.

Football Intelligence

Three different college programs trusted Cuevas quickly. That says plenty.

Coaches praised preparation habits, assignment discipline and versatility.

Competitive Toughness

Cuevas lacks elite size, but effort never disappears on tape. Blocking technique still needs improvement, yet physicality and competitiveness consistently show up.

Areas That Need Development

No fifth-round pick enters the NFL without flaws.

Cuevas must improve several areas to carve out a long-term role.

Inline Blocking

Traditional blocking remains the biggest concern.

Cuevas competes hard but struggles at times against larger edge defenders. NFL defensive linemen will challenge him physically early in his career.

Length

Shorter arms limit blocking radius and catch-window size compared to elite NFL tight ends.

Play Strength

Additional NFL strength development should help Cuevas become more effective against physical coverage and edge-setting defenders.

Positional Identity

Some evaluators still debate whether Cuevas fits best as:

• A tight end
• H-back
• Fullback hybrid
• Large slot receiver

Baltimore must define that role carefully.

Comparing Cuevas To Current NFL Players

Several stylistic comparisons surfaced throughout the draft process.

The most realistic NFL comparisons include:

• Charlie Woerner with more receiving upside
• A lighter version of Kyle Juszczyk
• An H-back style similar to John Bates

Cuevas probably never becomes a Pro Bowl superstar, but Baltimore consistently succeeds by maximizing versatile role players.

That developmental environment could help him outperform draft expectations.

How Cuevas Fits With Lamar Jackson

Everything in Baltimore revolves around maximizing Lamar Jackson’s strengths.

Cuevas helps in several ways.

Jackson thrives when:

• Tight ends uncover quickly
• Receivers adjust during scramble drills
• Offensive personnel creates confusion
• Play-action freezes linebackers

Cuevas already demonstrated comfort operating outside structure. That matters tremendously with Jackson.

Several Alabama plays showed Cuevas working back toward quarterbacks after broken protections or extended plays. Ravens coaches value those instincts heavily.

Jackson also loves throwing to tight ends over the middle. Andrews dominated that role for years. Cuevas could eventually carve out complementary opportunities.

Special Teams Could Decide Rookie Impact

Fifth-round rookies often earn roster spots through special teams first.

Cuevas has enough athleticism and toughness to contribute immediately on:

• Kick coverage
• Punt coverage
• Return units
• Field-goal protection

Baltimore consistently fields elite special teams groups under coach John Harbaugh. Players who contribute there often stay on the roster longer.

Cuevas’ versatility dramatically improves his chances.

Ravens Tight End Room Remains One Of NFL’s Most Interesting

Even after offseason changes, Baltimore still boasts intriguing depth at tight end.

Current room includes:

• Mark Andrews
• Matthew Hibner
• Josh Cuevas
• Durham Smythe

That group offers very different skill sets.

Andrews remains the star. Hibner projects as another receiving option. Smythe provides veteran blocking experience. Cuevas adds hybrid flexibility.

Baltimore clearly wants to maintain one of the NFL’s most creative tight end attacks.

Why This Pick Makes Sense Financially

Day 3 draft selections provide tremendous roster value when they contribute.

Cuevas arrives on a cost-controlled rookie contract while offering upside as a rotational player. Smart franchises constantly look for those advantages.

The Ravens especially prioritize:

• Versatility
• Positional flexibility
• Special teams value
• Developmental upside

Cuevas checks every box.

What Coaches Said About Cuevas

College coaches consistently praised maturity and adaptability.

Moving between three programs could have derailed development for many players. Cuevas handled every transition smoothly.

That professionalism impressed scouts during interviews.

NFL teams also loved his willingness to embrace any role necessary to help offenses succeed.

Players with that mindset often survive longer than more talented prospects who struggle accepting responsibilities.

Potential Rookie-Year Role

Expect Baltimore to ease Cuevas into the offense initially.

Most likely rookie responsibilities include:

• Rotational tight end snaps
• Short-yardage packages
• Motion/H-back concepts
• Special teams assignments

Production might not explode immediately, but opportunity exists.

If Cuevas develops chemistry with Jackson early, offensive snaps could increase rapidly.

Baltimore’s offensive creativity also opens doors for unexpected contributors.

Ceiling And Long-Term Projection

Best-case scenario: Cuevas develops into a versatile offensive chess piece who produces 30-40 catches annually while contributing heavily to formation flexibility.

Realistic projection: Reliable TE2 or TE3 who provides depth, special teams value and occasional explosive plays.

Floor: Practice squad or depth option who struggles blocking NFL defenders consistently.

Baltimore’s coaching infrastructure gives him an excellent chance to reach that middle outcome.

Final Thoughts

The Ravens did not draft Josh Cuevas expecting immediate stardom. Baltimore drafted a smart, versatile football player with legitimate receiving ability and extensive high-level experience.

Cuevas traveled one of the longest roads in this draft class:

• California prep football
• FCS breakout success
• National championship contention at Washington
• SEC football at Alabama
• NFL opportunity in Baltimore

Every stop added something valuable to his development.

Baltimore consistently identifies late-round contributors better than almost every franchise in football. The organization clearly believes Cuevas can become another example.

Strong hands, route-running precision, toughness and versatility give Cuevas a real opportunity to stick on the roster immediately. Improvement as a blocker will determine whether that role eventually expands.

For now, the Ravens added another intriguing weapon to one of the NFL’s most creative offenses.

And if Baltimore unlocks the best version of Josh Cuevas, the fifth-round pick could end up looking like another classic Ravens value selection.