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Baltimore Ravens: 3 Reasons The Ravens Must Keep Dennis Pitta

By Jake McDonnell

Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88) makes a first down reception during the second quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won the contest 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88) makes a first down reception during the second quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won the contest 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88) catches pass for a touchdown from quarterback Joe Flacco (not pictured) in front of Miami Dolphins free safety Bacarri Rambo (30) and linebacker Spencer Paysinger (42) during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88) catches pass for a touchdown from quarterback Joe Flacco (not pictured) in front of Miami Dolphins free safety Bacarri Rambo (30) and linebacker Spencer Paysinger (42) during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Tight End: Lots of depth, but not a position of strength for Baltimore

Tight end is probably one of the most loaded positions on the Ravens’ roster. Pitta got the starting nod last season after veteran Ben Watson tore his Achilles tendon. Watson signed a two-year contract with the Ravens a year ago, but he is 36-years-old and is coming off of a significant injury. His status for next season is unknown as of this writing.

Behind Pitta and Watson, Crockett Gillmore is next up. Gillmore is entering his fourth season after ending two of his first three seasons in the NFL on injured reserve. He has shown lots of potential, but his issue has been staying on the field. Over the last two seasons, he has played in just 18 games.

Third year man Maxx Williams has also had his fair share of injury woes, and after undergoing a somewhat reconstructive knee surgery last season, who knows how strong of an offseason he can have. A 2015 second round draft pick, the upside is there, but Williams cannot develop if he is not on the field.

Also on the roster are third year players Darren Waller and Nick Boyle. Out of these two players, Waller has been the only one who has dealt with injuries, but both players have served suspensions in their young careers. Waller has been suspended once for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy; Boyle has violated the policy twice. Both players combined for just 16 receptions last season, but have shown flashes in their first two seasons in the NFL. However, they are still very raw and will continue to develop in 2017.

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