Despite being a rookie, tight end Maxx Williams is probably going to feature quite a lot in the Baltimore Ravens offense next season, who like having a guy in his position to lean onto during big and crucial plays.
Williams, who played his college football for Minnesota and had an excellent 2014, landing him a second-team All-American selection along with being named to the All-Big Ten first team, was the first tight end taken in the 2015 draft, going 55th overall and the only player in his position going in the second round. Most tight ends were taken in the fifth round or later on.
The Ravens are hoping Williams can produce like Owen Daniels did for them last season. Not some hall of fame numbers, but being reliable on third down and similar situations. Daniels caught 48 passes for 527 yards and four touchdown passes. He didn’t make the Pro Bowl (twice has in the past), but did well enough to get a nice deal from the Denver Broncos for the upcoming season.
The Ravens aren’t very deep at tight end when it comes to pass catchers. Both Crockett Gillmore and Nick Boyle will be the ones who probably make the roster along with Williams once training camp is over, but if Williams impresses through spring and early summer, the two of them will likely be used in blocking roles. Even if Williams gets injured of fails to impress, it’ll mean more three wide receiver looks, not the two of them becoming reliable pass catchers all of a sudden.
There’s always the option of Dennis Pitta getting some time, but the chances of him doing anything on the field remains very slim following a second major hip surgery. If he’s healthy to play, he’ll be on the roster of 53 players. Even if he doesn’t play this season, Pitta will be placed on the physically unable to perform list.