A staple to Baltimore’s offense is, and always has been, a diversely skilled tight end.
To best execute an ideal gameplan, Baltimore’s offense needs multiple tight ends on their roster. Of course, there’s no one better in football right now than First team All-Pro Mark Andrews. Nick Boyle is a stud, too. While tight ends weren’t the issue for this team last year, the Ravens have never shied away from adding to an already deep position group if a standout prospect is available.
Fortunately for Ravens fans, this tight end class is pretty good. There’s a solid selection of players that excel in different ways, so the question becomes what kind of specific tight end are the Ravens looking for? Andrews can do it all, and Boyle is great around the line of scrimmage. Perhaps the Ravens may target a downfield threat, or a player with lateral speed that’s effective after the catch? Maybe another Andrews “type” is the best addition they could make, doubling down on what they know defenses have little answers for.
Here are two prospects that did well in smaller programs than we’re used to watching regularly, that I think can help Baltimore’s offense take the next step toward their ultimate goal.
NFL Draft Player Profile: Cole Turner, Tight End, Nevada
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 240 pounds
2021 stats: 62 receptions, 677 yards, 10.9 ypr, 10 TD
Key traits: Complete mismatch against corners. Plays with very good physicality and displays an impressive catch radius. Not a burner, and doesn’t get many yards after the catch, but he does have a nose for the endzone and is dependable in tight spaces. At worst, he can be a go-to chain mover.
Ideal position: Flex tight end
Potential draft spot: Round 5
Why he’d be a good fit: The best offense is a complementary offense. The Ravens have downfield speed, power running, shifty running, short route receivers with runs after the catch, and an intermediate-downfield threat at tight end. The one area where they can improve is what Cole Turner excels at: converting 3rd downs and goal-to-go scenarios. Even though his speed isn’t that much of a threat, if he’s flexed out against a cornerback, he’s able to use his size to completely shield the defender from the football. Plus, his route tree seems to be versatile enough to keep defenders honest.
Cool side note: Turner posted four multi-touchdown games in 2021.
Bottom line: If the Ravens can address their immediate needs with their first few picks, then solidify their offensive firepower by drafting Turner after the first 100 picks, that’ll be a very good value for both he and the team.
NFL Draft Player Profile: Derrick Deese, Jr., Tight End, San Jose State
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 235 pounds
2021 stats: 47 receptions, 730 yards, 15.5 ypr, 4 touchdowns
Key traits: Good feet, better hands. Uncovers well. Glider. Pretty good speed after the catch. Looks to score when he catches the ball. When he’s blocking, he looks to tee off on the defender. Shows no fear of contact. Plays to the whistle.
Ideal position: Split wide
Potential draft spot: Round 4
Why he’d be a good fit: This selection would essentially be a replacement for Miles Boykin, who, if cut, would save the Ravens $2.54 million against their cap. Deese would not only give the Ravens a dynamic downfield threat, but he’d alleviate pressure on Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore running backs by lightening the box. Coach Harbaugh mentioned during his season-ending press conference that the team needed to be better in big plays (plays of 20 yards or more), and Deese specializes in big plays. He plays a lot like Andrews, so adding a player like that to an offense that’s going to be back with a vengeance should be an attractive prospect to Ravens fans.
Cool side note: Deese is the son of Super Bowl champion Derrick Deese, Sr., who played over a decade in the NFL.
Bottom line: Deese’s skillset could be the missing piece to helping the Ravens convert field goals to touchdowns.
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
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