Ravens Stretch to Fill TE Void

The Baltimore Ravens have invested a half-dozen draft picks on the tight end position the past five years without much success. With a hall…

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Ravens Stretch to Fill TE Void

Hurst has the talent to be a solid TE but likely not a fantasy force.

The Baltimore Ravens have invested a half-dozen draft picks on the tight end position the past five years without much success. With a hall of fame general manager (Ozzie Newsome), the position likely holds an importance in Newsome’s heart. Selecting Hayden Hurst with the twenty-fifth overall selection is a big investment at the position however the talent and production doesn’t match the selection. In short Newsome’s lack of TE success will likely continue.

TE Hayden Hurst

• Size: 6’5” / 250
• Draft Selection: #25 (2018)
• Depth Chart: TE1 (competing w/ rookie Mark Andrews for starter reps)
• ’18 Outlook: TE3+ (TE2 if ascends to starting role)
• Athletic Profile: Mediocre (Player Profiler)
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haydenrhurst/
• NFL Comparison: Bigger, less nimble George Kittle

Outlook: The Ravens have one of the worst passing offenses the past two years. With the selection of Lamar Jackson, the Ravens are admitting that veteran Joe Flacco’s hold on the job is looser and they’re preparing for a transition. The impact of any potential change on the TE position is difficult to project. However, Flacco has been a tight end friend, utilizing the position as a security blanket with players such as Owen Daniels, Ben Watson, and Dennis Pitta putting up low-end TE1 performances over the past decade. In recent years a dearth of talent has kept the team from producing a single fantasy-worthy option at the position. Hurst’s athletic profile is mediocre and general college production average. Which leads me to believe the Hurst selection will not change the fortunes of Baltimore’s tight end position.

Opportunity: The Ravens under Joe Flacco have consistently been in the top 10 for tight end targets. The challenge has been the quality of those targets and the distribution. Furthermore, the Ravens have invested heavily at TE (Mark Andrews in the 3rd round) and WR (Michael Crabtree + Willie Snead) signings. With an overall mediocre passing offense, the probability of a fantasy relevant TE is low.

Long-term: Hurst will be given every opportunity to be successful given the draft pedigree, however, I have doubts that he becomes anything more than a low-end TE1 (fantasy purposes) at any point in his career. A former pro baseball player, he’s already 25 years of age. The situation, athletic profile and tape add up to a quality, versatile tight end who doesn’t shine in any particular way.