Baltimore Ravens State of the Corps: Tight Ends

Remy Cabache

As we’ve mentioned before, tight end has always been a hallmark position in the Baltimore Ravens’ offense. And this year should be no different. However, tight end is now one of our biggest needs and there is no escaping it.

Nov 30, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Owen Daniels (81) gains yardage after his catch past San Diego Chargers defensive end Kendall Reyes (91) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Dennis Pitta is recovering from his second devastating hip injury in as many seasons and there is no sign as to whether he’ll be back next year, if ever. Owen Daniels, our security blanket last year, has just signed with the Denver Broncos despite showing an initial interest in returning.

Crockett Gilmore has looked good at times, but he doesn’t seem ready to be a number one receiving threat just yet. Gillmore needs more time to develop, as he’s more of a blocking tight end with some catching ability right now. Finally, Phillip Supernaw has shown flashes in very limited time, but is still somewhat of an unknown.

Clearly then, tight end HAS to be addressed. Unfortunately, this year has one of the worst tight end classes in both the draft and free agency. In free agency only Julius Thomas and Jordan Cameron catch the eye. But, Thomas has signed a big deal with the Jaguars and Cameron recently signed with the Dolphins. That leaves the Ravens with very little to choose from in free agency. The only guy I see serving any purpose, on a cheaper, 1-year contract is Zach Miller.

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Zach Miller

Sep 4, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks tight end Zach Miller (86, left) catches a pass against Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews (52, right) during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Zach Miller is a guy who is obviously past his prime and is coming off a season ending ankle injury. However, I think he is probably the best remaining tight end free agent option for the Ravens. Miller is still somewhat young and likely has some productive football left in him. He was also released, so signing Miller wouldn’t affect the Ravens’ compensatory picks.

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The options for tight end in the draft aren’t much better. There are only really two guys that appeal to me: Maxx Williams and Clive Walford.

Maxx Williams

Nov 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Maxx Williams (88) catches a touchdown past Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back John Lowdermilk (37) in the first half at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Maxx Williams is highly regarded as the best tight end in the draft. He has very, very good hands and plays with reasonable speed. Williams finished the year with the most 25+ yard catches of all tight ends in college football with 9, including the two hurdle catch against Missouri.

Williams does need to work on his route running and could add a bit of mass to absorb bigger hits and be a more effective blocker. I don’t think the Ravens should draft him at 26 if players like Melvin Gordon or Todd Gurley are available. It is likely that Williams won’t be available in the 2nd round, so he may be out of our reach.

Clive Walford

Nov 15, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end Clive Walford (46) runs past Florida State Seminoles defensive end Chris Casher (21) for a touchdown during the second quarter at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Walford is more of a complete player than Maxx Williams. He is far more powerful and more fundamentally sound in blocking than Williams. He is not as good a receiver, though he is still very capable. Walford is quick and physical enough to be a threat up the seam, and he is very good at locating the ball and winning contested catches. He also excels after the catch.

Like Williams, Walford needs to sharpen his route running. He figures to go somewhere in the second round so hopefully he’ll fall to us, I like this guy as a prospect the Ravens could mold behind a veteran for a year while giving him a few manufactured touches for some immediate impact.

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Remy Cabache