Hayden Hurst vs Mark Andrews: Who will have a bigger impact?

Hayden Hurst:

Hayden Hurst would wind up not only being the Ravens first round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, but was also the first tight end taken in said draft. That already puts some tremendous expectations on the shoulders of Mr. Hurst to have a massive rookie impact.

Coming out of the University of South Carolina, Hurst was actually drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2012 to play professional baseball before deciding to walk on to the Gamecocks’ football team. Turns out that was an extremely smart decision. Now being paid millions of dollars, Hurst will look to have a massive impact for the Ravens in year one.

Must Read: Michael Crabtree: Baltimore's brand new red-zone threat

Hurst tested very well at the NFL combine, showing off good athleticism for a 6’5″ 250-lbs. tight end. However, Hurst was far from productive during his time in Columbia, South Carolina, Hurst accumulated just three touchdown receptions and a little over 1,200 receiving yards. By box score scouting, he isn’t that impressive. So then why did Baltimore draft him so high?

Intangibles:

Hurst is a tremendous player with the athleticism and mentality to be any teams go-to tight end. He actually may remind some of Dennis Pitta. And no, I’m not just saying that because Hurst is turning 25-years old in August (the same age Pitta was as a rookie in 2010). No, Hurst has that type of consistency that can benefit an offense. He may not be that red-zone, touchdown machine everyone wants, but he is certainly someone who can produce and pick up first downs.

We all know how much Joe Flacco loves his tight ends. Hurst seemed like a dream pick for Flacco back in April, and as of now it still looks to be that way.