Knee-Jerk Reactions: Ravens Draft SMU TE Matthew Hibner

The Ravens traded up into the fourth round to make a second pick in that frame, going with Southern Methodist TE Matthew Hibner.

We have traded our 154th overall pick & our 2027 6th-round pick to the 49ers for their 133rd overall pick. pic.twitter.com/pBldJCDtHM

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 25, 2026

Our thoughts on the pick below…

Darin McCann

Hibner is a 4.5 guy who is a willing blocker and is a nice piece for the re-building of the tight end room. A few different analysts have opined that he could do well in that H-back role, which I’m figuring we’ll see in use quite a bit next season. He also has a ton of special teams experience, and there are some opportunities there, as well.

Good pick for this spot.

Chad Racine

Matthew Hibner is the first tight end drafted today, as many have gotten used to them drafting two usually. Certainly a position of need for depth. Admittedly I don’t know much about him but the trade up tells me how much they like him.

Chris Schisler

It was inevitable that the Baltimore Ravens were draft a tight end. Now they have one. I’m not going to pretend to be overly familiar with Hibner’s game, yet it’s clear he could be a quick pass catcher from the tight end spot.

The Ravens still have a needed center. It is surprising they have not pulled the trigger on a center in this draft and that the only offensive line pick what’s their first pick. That being said every pic but one has been for the offense. I think we know what the Ravens are focused on. This draft so far screams the Ravens are confident with Jesse Minter and their defense with Anthony Weaver. The Ravens seem to be focused on transforming their offense around Lamar Jackson. It’s hard not to like that.

John Hughey

DeCosta makes a move to trade up in the draft and select a truly athletic tight end in Matthew Hibner. Hibner truly made a name for himself after transferring to SMU, recording 804 yards and 8 TDs across two seasons with the Mustangs. His ability to attack the seams can become dangerous to defenders if he hits his top speed. The Ravens needed to address the position after the departure of Kolar and Likely, and similar to their 2022 selections, Baltimore picked Hibner in the fourth round. There’s room to grow in the run blocking game for Hibner, but his past special teams experience gives him a chance to see the field early.

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