With 12 picks in the upcoming draft, there is no doubt whatsoever that the Ravens will add at least one more tight end to their roster. In fact, John Harbaugh is on record as saying that you can’t have enough tight ends. The position – as it currently stands – is solid, with Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson. At this time, the team is looking at extending both of their contracts.
Pitta is one of Joe Flacco’s favorite targets, whose work load is sure to increase now that Anquan Boldin is no longer with the team. Ed Dickson has proved to be a capable blocker, and has flashed some decent hands to go along with his great athleticism.
Jim Caldwell likes two-tight end schemes, so it will not surprise me to see the Ravens pick a tight end even as their first pick of this year’s draft, especially if Tyler Eifert out of Notre Dame drops to them. He should be picked in the 20-25 range of the first round, but if he drops to 32, he will certainly merit consideration. Zach Ertz is the second highest rated tight end, and would be a great value at the end of round two.
Other tight ends that may end up on the Raven’s roster include the 6’7″ 255 pound monster out of UCLA, Joseph Fauria. JakeStoneburner out of OSU, Lucas Reed out of New Mexico, Nick Kasa out of Colorado, Dion Sims out of Michigan State, and Jordan Reed out of Florida. Local product Matt Furstenburg out of Maryland got the attention of several teams by running a 4.62 in the 40. He also showed good explosion by pressing 225 for 18 reps.
My favorite tight end in the draft is Michael Williams out of Alabama. This 6’5 272 senior out of Alabama should go late in the draft, in the fifth or sixth round. He puts people on their backs, and has paved the way for Trent Richardson, and more recently Ed Lacy. He also displayed soft hands in the national championship game, where he caught a touchdown. We all know that OzzieNewsome likes the SEC – and ‘Bama in particular – so I do believe that Michael Williams ends up a Raven!
Blog from Dennis Koulatsos
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