NFL Draft: 3 reasons Hayden Hurst was a great pick for Ravens
2. Hurst isn’t a one-trick pony
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Hurst has a solid pair of hands, and they are without a doubt going to be used. But that’s not all he has to offer. Of all the top right ends in the 2018, Hurst is widely regarded as the best blocker. It’s this trait that’s going to keep on the field for all three downs.
Opening running lanes for Alex Collins is going to be just as important in 2018 as it was in 2017. The Ravens offense sputtered weekly until the team got Collins going. A commitment to the run game should be expected and welcomed heading into this season, and when you draft a guy that can pave the way for you running back to eat up yardage, it’s hard to complain.
This is a player that the Ravens can keep on the field for all three downs. He can help in both phases of the offense, which is something the Ravens have lacked. Nick Boyle is the only other tight end on the roster with much value, and that’s only for his blocking. With Hurst on the field, teams will finally have to respect a Baltimore tight end’s ability to give a chip, and then run a route on play-action.