Alabama Crimson Tide

What makes Josh Cuevas Ravens OTAs standout?

Josh Cuevas Ravens OTAs standout grabbed headlines this spring with consistent route running and eye-catching grabs at Baltimore practice. A former Alabama Crimson Tide tight end, he rose steadily at Tuscaloosa and became a dependable receiving option and leader.

After a 2025 season with 47 receptions for 411 yards and four touchdowns, NFL teams took notice. Now drafted by the Ravens in the fifth round, Cuevas is showing why scouts liked his skill set. In OTAs he made highlight plays, including a diving catch and a one-handed snag along the seam.

Moreover veteran tight end Mark Andrews publicly praised his practice energy and reliable hands during team drills. Therefore this early surge suggests real opportunity, especially because the Ravens value versatile tight ends who can block and catch.

For Alabama fans and NFL watchers alike, his OTA performances make him a player to watch this summer and beyond.

Josh Cuevas Ravens OTAs standout

Josh Cuevas emerged as a reliable playmaker for the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2025. He blended strong hands with precise route work. As a result, he became Ty Simpson’s dependable midfield target. Moreover, his consistency helped Alabama sustain drives and score in key moments.

Key 2025 stats

  • 411 receiving yards
  • 47 receptions
  • 4 touchdowns
  • Best game versus Oklahoma: 6 receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown

Cuevas showed clear growth year over year. He ran clean routes and won contested catches. Therefore quarterbacks trusted him in short and intermediate throws. He also helped in the run game because he blocked well at the line. This dual skill set made him valuable in college and attractive to NFL scouts.

Because he built chemistry with Ty Simpson, Cuevas often found space after the catch. His route tree expanded, and he added yards after contact. Consequently, NFL teams saw a versatile tight end who can catch and block. Combined with his 2025 production, these traits explain why the Baltimore Ravens drafted him in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Tight end catching ball mid-air

Josh Cuevas Ravens OTAs standout

Josh Cuevas Ravens OTAs standout has created real momentum in Baltimore this spring. The rookie tight end showed reliable hands, crisp route running, and a competitive motor. Moreover his practice production pushed him past the traditional blocking label and into playmaker discussions.

Ravens beat writer Ryan Mink captured the vibe in his practice report. He wrote, “Don’t think rookie tight end Josh Cuevas is just going to be a blocker.” Furthermore Mink noted Cuevas had one of the best practices of the day. He made a diving catch on an intermediate route over the middle. As a result veteran Mark Andrews came down the field to dap him up. Mink also described an extended seam grab with a safety closing in. In addition Cuevas pulled off a one handed snag when flaring into the flats. Therefore the practice report painted him as an active pass catcher, not merely a blocker.

Standout OTAs moments

  • Diving catch over the middle that drew praise from Mark Andrews
  • Seam catch with a safety closing in, showing route awareness
  • One handed snag in the shallow flats, highlighting strong hands

Because Cuevas combined route polish with toughness, coaches took notice quickly. He sustained separation on short and intermediate routes and added yards after catch. Consequently the Ravens can envision him in multiple offensive roles. He fits as a safety valve for the quarterback and a situational seam threat. Moreover his Alabama background and 2025 production give context for this surge.

Overall his OTAs showed upside beyond blocking. If he keeps this pace, Cuevas could carve a meaningful role in the Ravens’ offense this season.

Quick comparison 2025 Alabama season vs 2026 Ravens OTAs

  • Receptions

    • 2025 Alabama season: 47 receptions
    • 2026 Ravens OTAs: multiple daily catches in team drills, no official reception totals
  • Receiving yards

    • 2025 Alabama season: 411 receiving yards
    • 2026 Ravens OTAs: showed intermediate gains and yards after catch in drills, not official statistics
  • Touchdowns

    • 2025 Alabama season: 4 touchdowns
    • 2026 Ravens OTAs: no official OTAs touchdowns, made contested catches that replicate scoring routes
  • Role

    • 2025 Alabama season: dependable receiving tight end who also blocked inline
    • 2026 Ravens OTAs: emerging multi-role tight end seen as safety valve, seam target, and situational blocker
  • Play style notes

    • crisp route running and precise timing
    • reliable hands and contested catch ability
    • willingness to block and add yards after catch
    • OTAs highlighted route polish, hand strength, and a competitive motor

Conclusion: College production provides a clear baseline while OTAs offer practice impressions rather than formal stats and suggest receiving upside and versatility.

Conclusion

Josh Cuevas rose from Alabama workhorse to Ravens OTAs standout in a clear, steady arc. He finished 2025 with 47 catches, 411 yards, and four touchdowns, then earned NFL interest. At Baltimore OTAs he flashed reliable hands, crisp routes, and competitive toughness. Ryan Mink and Mark Andrews praised his practice production and catching ability. Therefore scouts now view him as more than a blocker, with true receiving upside.

For Alabama the takeaway is positive because the program continues to develop pro ready talent. Cuevas’s path shows that Tide tight ends can impact the NFL quickly. Moreover his OTA surge boosts recruiting narratives and program prestige. Coaches and teammates highlighted his work ethic and adaptability during drills.

Watch for his route versatility, seam work, and yards after catch in preseason games. If he builds on this momentum he could earn meaningful snaps early and carve a clear role. As a result Baltimore may deploy him in multiple packages this season. Overall optimism surrounds his development and potential NFL impact.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes Josh Cuevas Ravens OTAs standout?

Josh Cuevas Ravens OTAs standout describes his immediate impact during Baltimore practices. He ran crisp routes, showed reliable hands, and won contested catches. Moreover, he produced highlight plays such as a diving catch and a one-handed snag. Therefore, coaches and reporters began viewing him as more than a blocking tight end.

How did Cuevas perform at Alabama in 2025?

He finished the 2025 season with 47 receptions, 411 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. He served as a dependable target for Ty Simpson throughout the year. His best game came versus Oklahoma with six catches for 80 yards and a score. Because of that steady production, NFL scouts flagged his dual skill set.

What were the OTAs highlight plays and reactions?

Reporters and teammates noted several standout moments. A diving catch over the middle drew praise from veteran Mark Andrews. An extended seam grab showed route awareness with a safety closing in. A one-handed snag in the flats highlighted his hands. Ryan Mink’s practice report specifically called him one of the most active pass catchers of the day.

Could Cuevas earn early playing time as a rookie?

Yes. He offers multi role value as both a blocker and a receiver. Coaches can use him as a safety valve, seam option, and special teams contributor. If he sustains OTA form, he could carve meaningful preseason and regular season snaps.

What does his rise mean for Alabama and recruiting?

His path shows the Tide can develop NFL ready tight ends. As a result, the program gains credibility in player development. Moreover, recruits see a clear pipeline from Tuscaloosa to the pros, which helps sustain the program’s reputation.