Baltimore Ravens Draft Tight End Hayden Hurst
The Baltimore Ravens traded down twice in the first round, going from 16 to 22 to 25 and eventually drafted South Carolina tight end, Hayden Hurst.
Welcome to the Flock, Hayden Hurst! #RavensFlock #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/0GxPSCWpsb
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 27, 2018
Hurst, a former minor league pitcher in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, has risen up to the top tight end in many draft boards leading up to tonight’s draft. Virtually everyone projected either a wide receiver or quarterback Lamar Jackson, but Ozzie Newsome does what Ozzie does and surprises everyone.
Before Ravens fans go up in arms about passing up on both DJ Moore and Calvin Ridley, remember that tight end was the biggest need. Last season’s starter, Ben Watson left in free agency, Maxx Williams has had injury issues, Nick Boyle has had suspension problems and shifted to the backfield, and Crockett Gillmore is trying to transition to an offensive lineman. So grabbing the best tight end available, who would not be there by the time the Ravens picked again in the second round, was smart.
Not to mention, this year’s draft class is loaded with receiver talent. Receivers like Courtland Sutton, Christian Kirk, and James Washington are still available on day two.
Hurst had 44 receptions for 559 yards and two touchdowns last season, but also ran for 30 yards and one touchdown on nine attempts.
For those clamoring about passing up on Ridley, ponder this; Ozzie Newsome gets more intel on every Alabama player than anybody else in football. With the Ravens in dire need of a star wide receiver, he passed up on Ridley. Ozzie knows something that nobody else does. With that being said, fans take a deep breath, there are tons of more picks coming.
Welcome, Hayden Hurst to Baltimore and to the Ravens Flock. We have a storied history regarding tight ends in the Charms City. From Shannon Sharpe, to Todd Heap, to Dennis Pitta. We cannot wait to see you in the black and purple.