Ebony Bird
FanSided

Ravens: Projecting Every Starter And The Next Man Up

By Chris Schisler

Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Crockett Gillmore (80) celebrates with Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) and Ravens guard Marshal Yanda (73) after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Crockett Gillmore (80) celebrates with Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) and Ravens guard Marshal Yanda (73) after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 21
Next
Feb 5, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Benjamin Watson speaks during the Walter Payton man of the year press conference at Moscone Center in advance of Super Bowl 50 between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Benjamin Watson speaks during the Walter Payton man of the year press conference at Moscone Center in advance of Super Bowl 50 between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Tight Ends:

Benjamin Watson: The Ravens swept in and signed Watson, quickly when free agency began. They didn’t sign Watson to sit on the bench. The Ravens see Watson as a veteran tight end who can create mismatches with his size and speed. Last season with the Saints, Watson had 74 receptions, 825 yards and six touchdowns. Joe Flacco has always loved throwing to the tight end; other than Todd Heap, this may be his most talented one yet.

Watson is everything you look for in a tight end. He is a big bodied player who can go up and get the football. He is not afraid to be a powerful blocker, and he knows the game inside and out. Watson is the perfect addition to the Ravens. This was one of the low-key moves that could end up being a rewarding signing.

2. Crockett Gillmore: If you were expecting to see Dennis Pitta on this list, I’ll believe it when I see it. For now, pencil in Gillmore as the number two tight end. Before getting banged up last season, Gillmore had some flashes of talent. Against the Raiders, Gillmore was a revelation. He had five receptions for 88 yards and two touchdowns. He showed the Ravens that he can use his big frame to make plays in traffic. Flacco trusts Gillmore.

Another thing that separates Gillmore is his physicality. Gillmore is the best blocking tight end the Ravens have. Gillmore plays tight end with the mindset of a linebacker. He is going to hit you, and you’re going to fear him in the end.

Next: Left Tackle

Home/Ravens News