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Baltimore Ravens: 3 Position Battles Too Close To Call

By Hassan Zakai

Jun 14, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) runs across the field during the first day of minicamp sessions at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) runs across the field during the first day of minicamp sessions at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 31, 2016; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Maxx Williams (87) runs after the catch during the morning session of training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. ommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2016; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Maxx Williams (87) runs after the catch during the morning session of training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. ommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Tight End

With the most stacked position on the entire team, and perhaps even the deepest in the league, Joe Flacco has to be thrilled with this group of tight ends. With Dennis Pitta and Crockett Gillmore returning from injury, Benjamin Watson being added early in free agency, and Maxx Williams going into his second season. Nick Boyle was also a nice player last season, but will be suspended for the first 10 games and doesn’t factor into the 53-man roster yet, so we won’t talk about him here.

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Watching training camp practices you’d never had thought either Joe Flacco or Dennis Pitta were injured last season. Pitta has been out ever since he re-fractured his hip in September of 2014. He looks as good as ever, and by all indications he seems fully ready to take his starting role back.

Pitta has the best chemistry with Joe Flacco out of any receiver or tight end. He’s an exceptional route runner and is quick in and out of his breaks. He could be utilized more as a receiver this season if the Ravens wish to do so. He looks like the starter.

New addition Benjamin Watson had a career year last season, with 74 catches for 825 yards and six touchdowns. He’s the consummate pro, as a long-time veteran and outstanding member of the community. The Ravens gave him an $8 million two year contract on the first day of free agency, indicating their strong desire to acquire him.

Watson been pretty good so far in camp, and will most likely be an every-down type of player, as he’s a good blocker as well. Expect him to be listed as either first or second on the depth chart.

Crockett Gillmore looked like he would have a breakout year this past season, but that wouldn’t be the case, as he was riddled with injuries. He tore both labrums in his shoulders, in addition to a back injury that ultimately put him on IR.

Gillmore is an ascending player, and with a full offseason to recover from his injuries, expect him to compete for the starting job. He may not win it, but he will see a good amount of snaps either way.

Maxx Williams and Nick Boyle were Pro Football Focus’ two top ranked rookie tight ends in the league last season. Williams came on late in the season and added some much-needed bulk this offseason. He seems like he’s matured physically and mentally, and as an early second-round pick, will have the expectations of starting.

Williams is definitely starter material, but maybe not on this team this year. Don’t get me wrong, he will be a great player but right now the Ravens are stacked at tight end, and Williams is both the youngest and most inexperienced. The team likes playing veterans at tight end who will mentor the younger players. He will get his chance.

Next: 2. Running Back

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