Ravens’ Tight End Core Ready to Shine

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Photo credit Photo Courtesy: USA Today

By Austin Medina  

The Ravens have had many question marks heading into the 2019 season. Fresh off an AFC North title, the Ravens new offense has yet to be unveiled.

A key cog of the offense will be the use of tight ends and the Ravens have some serious depth.

For the Ravens, a trio of Nick Boyle, Mark Andrews, and Hayden Hurst will provide major mismatches for offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s new offense.

The high usage of tight ends is nothing new for Baltimore. In 2018 the Ravens ran 175 plays utilizing three tight ends which ranked the most in the NFL, according to Jamison Hensley.

Nick Boyle signed a three-year extension earlier in March to stay in Baltimore. The three tight-end sets last season included primarily Boyle, Mark Andrews, and Maxx Williams.

Andrews, entering his second year, showed no signs of being a rookie in 2018. He caught 34 passes for 552 yards and three touchdowns.

Lamar Jackson had his best red-zone session of camp, hitting Nick Boyle, Mark Andrews (twice) and Seth Roberts. His best pass floated over a defender and hit Andrews in the back of the end zone.

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) July 28, 2019

While Williams signed with the Arizona Cardinals in May, the Ravens will be able to fill a void with a healthy Hayden Hurst.

Hurst, a first-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, experienced an unfortunate start to his career. A stress fracture of his foot limited Hurst’s availability and productivity, as he caught just 13 passes in 12 games. Entering his second season, Hurst gained 17 pounds of muscle and looks ready to uphold a full NFL season.

Hurst stated in an article with the Baltimore Sun “Right now, I feel really good.” He went on to say “I feel like I’m making a lot of plays out there. I’m catching every ball that comes my way, and I just go out there and do my job. I know what I’m capable of on a football field."

The trio of Hurst, Andrews, and Boyle give the Ravens another explosive dynamic and a boatload of potential for the upcoming season. Their ability to get mismatches should make it easier to connect with quarterback Lamar Jackson. Their run-blocking ability is an added bonus to a position that has become primarily based of receiving. Hurst added that for the tight end core, they are "going to make it hard for coach to take us off the field."

Hayden Hurst on Ravens tight ends having chemistry with Lamar Jackson: “We’re his first line of vision. We’re able to get separation and get open. We’re right there in front of him and he’s finding us.” pic.twitter.com/wmNVSKE25e

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) August 1, 2019

The Ravens may have some question marks, but the tight end situation is far from uncertain. The three-headed core is ready to shine in Baltimore.