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

By Richard Bradshaw

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Hayden Hurst of South Carolina after he was picked #25 overall by the Baltimore Ravens during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Hayden Hurst of South Carolina after he was picked #25 overall by the Baltimore Ravens during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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NORMAN, OK – NOVEMBER 25: Tight end Mark Andrews #81 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates a touchdown against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK – NOVEMBER 25: Tight end Mark Andrews #81 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates a touchdown against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

Mark Andrews:

Mark Andrews was actually one of my favorite tight end prospects to enter the 2018 NFL Draft. The soon-to-be 22-year old was productive over his three seasons at the University of Oklahoma. During his time as a Sooner, Andrews notched 1,765 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns. Andrews was also best friends with number one overall pick Baker Mayfield, as the two showed off tremendous chemistry with each other.

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Knowing that Andrews and Mayfield established such good connection together is very attractive. Some have argued Mayfield to be the greatest college football quarterback of all-time. To be able to attach Andrews’ name as Mayfield’s favorite, most reliable target to that claim is pretty impressive.

But while Andrews was productive, perhaps his most attractive trait was his ability to stretch the field. Is it because he’s lightning fast? No. In fact, he tested almost identically to Hurst. What made Andrews so effective as a receiver then?

Route running:

Andrews showed off awesome capabilities as a route runner and the ability to be a similar player to New York Giants’ tight end Evan Engram. Fundamentally, neither are awesome blockers, but what they can do as receivers is enticing.

Baltimore hasn’t seen a tight end quite like Andrews at any point in their existence. Andrews is practically a wide receiver that plays tight end. Andrews also showed that he can create chemistry with his quarterback, and that’s the kind of impact that Joe Flacco will love from day one.

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