Lean on the tight ends:
If the Baltimore Ravens elect to pass on taking a wide receiver early in the NFL draft, a philosophy they often follow, they thankfully have an answer on the roster for their passing woes: the tight end position.
The Ravens took two tight ends within their first four picks in the 2018 NFL Draft with Hayden Hurst and Mark Andrews. Hurst was injured most of 2018 and needs to rebound in a big way in 2019, but Andrews looked the part of a starting tight end with upside as a receiver. Andrews averaged 16.2 YPR in 2018, showing big-play ability despite his 6’4″ 256-lbs. frame. You don’t find tight ends who are that big and athletic, but it appears the Ravens might’ve just found one.
If Hurst can get healthy, he also possesses some elite athleticism and could be a match-up nightmare in his own right. Add in the fact that Baltimore resigned Nick Boyle, a solid in-line tight end, and you have as good a tight end core as anyone else. It’s this group of tight ends that could define the success of the passing game, however.
Considering the success that Lamar Jackson had when throwing to his tight ends, mainly Andrews, it becomes vital that the position continues to be a focal point for the offense. The tight ends on the current roster can make big-plays when needed, while also being versatile enough to be more than one-dimensional players. Andrews and Hurst could be the league’s best tight end duo if used properly, and that’s the kind of scheme that will define the Ravens passing game this season.
Jackson will need time to build confidence in his lackluster wide receiving core, but his tight ends will provide him with a safety valve when the pocket breaks down. Andrews is a sure-handed, play-making individual who can bring another aspect to this unit, but Hurst and Boyle could also be major factors in 2019. Regardless, Baltimore would be smartest to lean on the tight end position most in their passing attack.