NFL 2018: Every team’s biggest bust this season
By Randy Gurzi
Baltimore Ravens: Hayden Hurst
With the hype surrounding Lamar Jackson and his quick start since joining the starting lineup, it’s easy to forget that the Baltimore Ravens actually had another first-round pick. At pick No. 25, the Ravens took the first of their two tight ends in the draft. The second was Oklahoma’s Mark Andrews who they landed in the third round.
Hurst was supposed to be the guy who took over as the starter and offered them a legitimate receiving threat at the position — while also being a solid all-around player at the position. So far, that hasn’t been the case as Hurst missed a lot of time in the preseason due to a foot injury and he hasn’t been able to surpass other players at the position, like the aforementioned Andrews.
Another issue to keep in mind is that Hurst spent a couple years pursuing a career in Major League Baseball. Eventually, he changed course and joined the South Carolina Gamecocks in an effort to change his career. While that worked out and he became a first-round pick, there are concerns in such a case.
Hurst is 25 years old and, in the past, players who come into the league in their mid-20s and later have struggled to make it as they may already be nearing the top of their potential. Of course, no rule like this is written in stone, but the Ravens would really love to see him make some strides down the stretch in order to feel better about 2019.