Matthew Hibner

The Ravens have taken their third pass-catcher in a row. After two physical wide receivers, they have now traded up to the No. 133 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select SMU tight end Matthew Hibner.

Baltimore sent the No. 154 pick and a 2027 sixth-rounder to the 49ers in exchange for the 133rd pick, per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner.

Hibner, 24, was a two-year starter at SMU who overlapped at Michigan with Ravens head coach Jesse Minter in 2022 and 2023. He was a non-factor in the Wolverines offense, but recorded 55 catches for 804 yards and eight touchdowns across the last two seasons with just two drops, per Dane Brugler of The Athletic.

At 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, Hibner brings good size to the tight end position that shows up as a blocker and red zone threat. He is also a solid all-around athlete who posted an impressive 4.57-second 40 yard dash at the Combine with a 37-inch vertical and 20 reps on the bench press.

Hibner’s receiving profile in general is more limited. He was not a focal point of the Mustangs’ passing game and may not have the short-area movement skills to thrive in a versatile role. If he can establish himself as a blocker in the NFL, he profiles as an inline tight end that will allow Mark Andrews to split out into the slot.

The Ravens badly needed to rebuild their tight end room after losing 2022 fourth-rounders Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar in free agency. Veteran Durham Smythe followed offensive coordinator Declan Doyle from Chicago to Baltimore to provide some run-blocking heft, but the team still needs more receiving upside at the position.

Hibner should provide that, but do not be surprised if the Ravens double-dip on Day 3 tight ends as they did in 2022. However, they still have a major need at center and will need to use one of their remaining picks on the position.