Throughout their history the Ravens have had competent to All Pro level play at the position of tight end. And the club has managed the position in a way that graduates a reserve to starter status with virtually no drop off in production.
Back in 2001 the Ravens drafted Todd Heap who would replace incumbent starter Shannon Sharpe the next season. In 2010 the Ravens drafted both Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson to supplant Heap which they did in 2011. The team allowed Heap to hit the free agent market and he eventually signed with Arizona.