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Mark Andrews among the elite pass catchers in the NFL per Pro Football Focus

As the passing game has become the focal point for offenses at every level of football, having players that can win in the passing game outside of the wide receiver position can be a game-changer.

There are few tight ends that impact the passing game at a similar level to the guys on the outside and when you have one, it can make a huge difference.

Over the last three seasons, only four tight ends in the NFL have received a 90+ receiving grade. One of those tight ends is former Sooner Mark Andrews. Joining Andrews in this distinction is Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Dallas Goedert.

Recently Pro Football Focus ranked their top 15 tight ends heading ahead of the 2023 season and only Kelce was listed above Andrews who came in at No. 2.

Andrews is a massive target and has benefitted a lot from having Lamar Jackson as his quarterback.

The Ravens went out and got Lamar Jackson more help with Odell Beckham Jr. and still might be in the hunt for more targets like DeAndre Hopkins. This will help Andrews even more because he’s no longer the only concern for opposing passing defenses.

Andrews has translated incredibly well from college to the NFL. He was great at Oklahoma and was one of the key pieces that lead to Baker Mayfield winning the Heisman Trophy in 2017. He had 112 receptions, 1,765 receiving yards, and 22 receiving touchdowns during his time with the Sooners.

Expect him to have a massive year once again in 2023. In addition to the improved weapons on the outside, Lamar Jackson is back healthy and on a long-term deal. His future is no longer in doubt, allowing everyone to simply go play football.

Andrews has turned into one of the top targets in the NFL regardless of position, but because of the scarcity of big-time weapons at the tight end position, the former Sooner great is even more valuable.

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Story originally appeared on Sooners Wire