Ebony Bird
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The Best (and Worst) Receivers for Lamar Jackson

By Matthew Deinlein

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Willie Snead #83 of the Baltimore Ravens makes a catch while being defended by Joe Haden #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on September 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Willie Snead #83 of the Baltimore Ravens makes a catch while being defended by Joe Haden #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on September 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 18: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens and tight end Hayden Hurst #81 celebrate after a touchdown in the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 18: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens and tight end Hayden Hurst #81 celebrate after a touchdown in the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /

Hayden Hurst: Next Offensive Bust? 

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Ozzie Newsome’s last top pick hasn’t lived up to the hype he had coming into the season. Hurst hasn’t been able to get open, resulting in limited targets, but he has made tough catches when called upon. He’s been a non-factor in the red zone attack with only 1 target for 0 receptions.

Hurst seems like a wasted pick to fans because of Mark Andrew’s rise and Ozzie’s choice of Hurst over Calvin Ridley. Ozzie went against his usual code of drafting the best player available and chose to address a need and it could end up biting him. Hurst is at a further disadvantage because he was drafted at age 25 and it typically takes tight ends a year or two to develop.

Hurst’s route running has looked a bit questionable at times, resulting in a minor part of the offense. He hasn’t had a ton of wiggle in his running and doesn’t really improvise. He looks uncomfortable on the field, but he has great hands and energy when he makes a catch. The Ravens are limiting his growth by giving reps to Maxx Williams on passing downs and it shows in Hurst’s lack of confidence in his routes.

Although his lack of production is concerning, it’s not necessarily a sign of a bust. After standing out in training camp, Hurst suffered a stress fracture and that could be holding him back. He had a slower recovery than the timetable that was given and hasn’t seemed full strength until recently. Hurst may just need another offseason to grow into the receiver he can be.

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