Ebony Bird
FanSided

5 Ravens who helped themselves against the Dolphins

By Hassan Zakai

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - AUGUST 17: Josh Woodrum #1 of the Baltimore Ravens hands off to Javorius Allen #37 during a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium on August 17, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - AUGUST 17: Josh Woodrum #1 of the Baltimore Ravens hands off to Javorius Allen #37 during a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium on August 17, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 01: Maxx Williams #87 of the Baltimore Ravens runs past Vince Williams #98 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2nd quarter of the game at Heinz Field on October 1, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 01: Maxx Williams #87 of the Baltimore Ravens runs past Vince Williams #98 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2nd quarter of the game at Heinz Field on October 1, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

2. Maxx Williams

After his promising rookie year where he set the Ravens’ rookie reception and yardage record for a TE, Williams missed 12 games and didn’t have a catch in 2016.

Williams has been recovering from a knee surgery. He missed all of OTAs and mini camp before surprisingly becoming a full participant in training camp, avoiding the dreaded PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list.

While it will still take time for Mad Maxx to gain back his full speed and agility, he played extremely well against Miami, catching two passes for 48 yards and flashing as a run blocker.

What Williams is bringing to the table:

He isn’t exactly a fluid athlete, but he’s strong and effective in space as evident by the 40 yard run after catch he had on his second reception. PFF graded him as the Ravens’ third best player against the Dolphins, with an 81.7 overall grade.

Williams just looks bigger and stronger this year, perhaps due to his lengthy recovery from the surgery. Nonetheless, Williams doesn’t have to be a 4.50 move tight end (essentially a wide receiver) like Jordan Reed, his game depends on him blocking well and finding the open areas in a defense to exploit.

The Ravens have been waiting for a big time return on their 2015 second round pick, and they just might get it this year.

Home/Ravens News