Baltimore Ravens: 3 First-Round Draft Targets
Nov 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Maxx Williams (88) catches a touchdown past Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back John Lowdermilk (37) in the first half at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
TE Maxx Williams, Minnesota
An area the Baltimore Ravens were deep in last year is suddenly an area of concern. With Owen Daniels set to hit free agency and worries over Dennis Pitta’s health, the Ravens could do with help at tight end.
Nov 9, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Gophers tight end Maxx Williams (88) celebrates his touchdown in the second quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Top of the pool of tight ends in this year’s draft is Minnesota’s Maxx Williams. Williams has all of the tools you need from a pass-catching tight end. He is the prototypical size (6’4″, 249 pounds), has good hands and is dangerous in the red zone.
According to his NFL.com draft profile, 82 percent of his catches were caught for a first down or touchdown. He could become a ‘security blanket’ for Joe Flacco in the passing game.
The Ravens scored touchdowns on 54.93 percent of their trips to the red zone in 2014, according to Team Rankings. With the presence of Williams, they would feel confident of raising this percentage.
I'm really intrigued by Maxx Williams' potential as a traditional "Y" TE. He is a crafty route runner w/strong hands. Solid blocker, too
— Bucky Brooks (@BuckyBrooks) February 19, 2015
Williams needs to develop his route-running a little more, but this something that can be taught. He has the physical tools to excel in Marc Trestman’s offense for the Ravens. Trestman likes to utilize the tight end in his system. Last year with the Chicago Bears, Martellus Bennett caught 90 passes for 916 yards and six touchdowns–ranking third among tight ends in the NFL.
I saw that Minnesota TE Maxx Williams ran a slow 40 time. If that sends him spiraling down draft boards, shame on NFL teams. Guy can play.
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) February 20, 2015
The Ravens may feel they have more pressing needs than tight end in the first-round. Even so, he’s a player Newsome should monitor as they may not be able to find an instant-starter with the quality of Williams in the later rounds.
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