2018 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

25. Hayden Hurst, TE, Baltimore Ravens

2018 Stats: 13 receptions, 163 receiving yards, 1 TD

It seemed a bit premature when the Baltimore Ravens took Hayden Hurst off the board at No. 25. We all knew he had the potential to develop into a weapon, but this early in the draft was definitely jumping the gun on a tight end prospect not really seen as elite.

It’s even worse when you consider that, two rounds later, the Ravens drafted Mark Andrews. The Oklahoma product was far more productive during his rookie season, hauling in 34 passes for 552 yards and three touchdowns. Watching a Baltimore game, it was easy to see that Andrews was the superior talent — at least at this point.

The other thing that made the selection of Hurst a head-scratcher? His age. Coming into the league at 24 years old, he was among the oldest rookies of the 2018 draft class. Not only was Hurst seen by many as a risky prospect, but he’s already a few more years into his life than his fellow incoming first-rounders.

Hurst missed the first four games due to injury, and couldn’t assert himself as a weapon upon his return. Sure, he made a few catches and found the end zone once, but was wildly underwhelming for a first-round pick.

Grade: D+