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NFL 2018: Every team’s biggest training camp battle

By Randy Gurzi

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Sam Darnold of USC poses after being picked #3 overall by the New York Jets during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Sam Darnold of USC poses after being picked #3 overall by the New York Jets during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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NFL 2018
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 13: Maxx Williams #87 of the Baltimore Ravens makes a pass reception against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 13, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Ravens 19-13. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

Baltimore Ravens: Tight End

The Baltimore Ravens should be having a battle at quarterback, but they just don’t want to. After moving back into the first round to select former Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson, they have all but guaranteed he will sit in 2018 and learn the ropes. Well, sit for most of the season and then be worked in some odd formations — which other teams have done with athletic quarterbacks and it has never worked.

Back to the battles at hand though. The Ravens invested a lot in their tight ends this offseason and the position is suddenly wide open. Sure, the first-round pick of Hayden Hurst knows he’s safe, but the rest of the players on the roster could be fighting for snaps — or even a spot.

Mark Andrews was taken in the third round this season out of Oklahoma and while his blocking is suspect, he’s the best pass catcher of the bunch. His job is safe, but how many snaps he gets will be the question. Then there’s Maxx Williams who was chosen in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He has yet to live up to expectations and may not beat out Nick Boyle for the third spot.

Boyle started 11 games for the Ravens and was a good blocking tight end. He likely gets on the field a lot with Hurst meaning Williams needs to prove he’s worth keeping a fourth tight end on the roster.

Baltimore is suddenly deep at this position and a player with plenty of upside could hit the waiver wire before the regular season begins.

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