Ebony Bird
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Baltimore Ravens: 4 players set to overachieve in 2020

By Jake Lippman

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 12: Defensive end Jihad Ward #53 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the New York Jets at M&T Bank Stadium on December 12, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 12: Defensive end Jihad Ward #53 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the New York Jets at M&T Bank Stadium on December 12, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – JANUARY 11: Nick Boyle #86 of the Baltimore Ravens is introduced prior to the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – JANUARY 11: Nick Boyle #86 of the Baltimore Ravens is introduced prior to the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /

2. Nick Boyle

Boyle was selected in the fifth round in 2015 out of the University of Delaware. He was the Ravens’ second tight end selected of the draft (Maxx Williams, second round). Boyle ran the slowest 40-year dash at the combine that year, but played well at the senior bowl. Little was expected as he was thought to be the fourth tight end on the roster but played well with 18 receptions in 11 games before Boyle was suspended for PEDs for the last four games of the season.

Before the 2016 season Boyle was again suspended for PEDS, this time for 10 games and made a minimal impact at the end of the season among his return. In 2017, he shared time with veteran tight end Benjamin Watson, Crockett Gilmore, and Williams. Entering 2018 the Ravens selected Hayden Hurst and Mark Andrews in the first and third rounds respectively, but Boyle was the full time starter, receiving a three year, $18 million extension at the seasons end  and remained the starter for last season scoring his first career touchdown.

Throughout Boyle’s first five seasons he has slowly improved and developed. Although, at times he has struggled and been frustrating at times, Boyle has made more plays as his career has progressed. Boyle is one of the best blocking tight ends in the league and has gradually improved his receiving game, becoming a sure handed receiver. He also has been a fun open field runner, although not the fastest, making the occasional hurdle or stiff arm.

Last season he had 31 receptions for 318 yards and a touchdown. Coming into this season many focus on the wide receivers getting more involved, but with Hurst getting traded to the Atlanta Falcons, their are a lot of targets to go around. I believe Boyle will continue to grow and prove why the Ravens gave him his contract extension. Not only should his receiving statistics improve, but he should continue to be a reliable blocker.

Stat Prediction: 45 Receptions, 485 yards, four touchdowns

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