Ravens OTA Depth Chart Analysis: Tight Ends
With the Baltimore Ravens Organized Team Activities fully underway, I will be going through the Ravens position by position breaking down the depth and the competition. I will be categorizing players into one of three spots; locks to make the team, bubble players, and longshots.
http://marylandsportsblog.com/ravens-ota-depth-chart-analysis-offensive-linemen/
Tight ends:
Locks: Hayden Hurst(R), Nick Boyle(4th), Mark Andrews(R)
What was a weakness is now a strength. With Boyle and Hurst, you have two very good blockers and with Hurst and Andrews you have two excellent receivers.
Hurst might be the most complete tight end of this group and being older and already a pro-athlete will allow him to get started quickly. Do not count out Andrews however, this guy has a 3rd gear that most tight ends do not have. While Mark is getting a lot of comparisons to Dennis Pitta, Mark is faster, bigger, and stronger, but Pitta was quicker and a better route runner.
Bubble: Maxx Williams (4th), Vince Mayle(3rd)
The former second rounder’s spot on the team is in jeopardy. Maxx’s stats were nearly doubled by Boyle last year and now he would be the fourth tight end on the depth chart. While he has done some good blocking and his athleticism can not be denied, that blocking and athleticism can be picked up by Hurst.
Vince Mayle has special teams ability and is a former WR.
Long shot: Nick Keizer(R)
Big dude who is a practice squad candidate. The Ravens carried four tight ends last season and Joe Flacco likes throwing to TE’s a lot, so Maxx’s spot is probably safe. I do not think he is a bust or a bad player. He just has not had a lot of opportunities because of talent in front of him and injuries. Since this is a position of depth for the Ravens I would not mind a trade of either Boyle or Williams.
