NFL Draft: Re-grading every first round pick from the 2018 NFL Draft

NFL Draft: Re-grading every first round pick from the 2018 NFL Draft: Number 25 overall, TE Hayden Hurst

For tight end Hayden Hurst, our grades are terrible timing. When the former University of South Carolina player was taken at the backend of the draft by the Baltimore Ravens, not much was expected of him. Whatever he could provide them with, would essentially be viewed as gravy.

His 163 receiving yards in 12 games in year one wasn’t impressive but, he has made strides since then. Hurst doubled his production with 349 receiving yards the following season. Again, not exactly impressive but it was a step in the right direction. The tight end took another leap forward this past year as he posted career highs across the board. He caught 56 balls, recorded 571 receiving yards and six touchdowns. It appears as though he’ll continue to get better and better but a few things are working against him.

To begin with, the Ravens have always a run first team. Whether they were putting the ball into the belly of running back J.K. Dobbins or quarterback Lamar Jackson was tucking the ball and running it, the passing game simply hasn’t been a priority for them.

If, by chance, they decide to switch their philosophy, the aforementioned Lamar Jackson has a long way to go in terms of accuracy. In short, the Ravens aren’t the team where an offensive player can put up gaudy numbers. Maybe Hurst can buck that trend, but for now, it seems unlikely and his grade will suffer because of it.

Grade: C+