Crockett Gillmore named Baltimore Ravens’ secret weapon

Recently, Sean Tomlinson of Bleacher Report named every NFL team’s secret weapon, with Crockett Gillmore earning that honor for the Ravens. Here’s what Tomlinson had to say about the selection:

This one comes with a massive, screaming caveat.

If Baltimore Ravens tight end Crockett Gillmore can ever stay healthy, he has a chance to finally establish himself as a viable NFL pass-catcher in 2017. The Ravens' tight end depth chart is wide open: 36-year-old Benjamin Watson is freshly recovered from an Achilles injury that kept him out for all of 2016, and Maxx Williams could start the season on the physically unable to perform list due to a knee issue.

Then there's converted wide receiver Darren Waller, who was recently suspended for one year after violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. So if he can remain in one piece, Gillmore has a golden opportunity, and in the not-so distant past, the 25-year-old flashed intriguing potential. In 2015, he caught 33 balls for 412 yards and four touchdowns over only 10 games.

But at this point, Gillmore's medical chart is concerning, to say the least. He's had two shoulder surgeries in addition to tearing his hamstring in two separate areas and suffering a "broken back," according to Alex Marvez of SiriusXM NFL Radio.

If he can avoid having his body scrambled in 2017, then Gillmore could finally fulfill his potential. The Ravens will need all the help they can get while replacing the pass-catchers who were on the other end for 352 targets in 2017, with tight end Dennis Pitta and wide receiver Steve Smith the most notable losses.

All good points by Tomlinson, with the injury history obviously being the kicker. Two months ago the question was “Who will be taking the most snaps at tight end” and now it’s shifted to “Will the Ravens have a healthy starter at tight end?”

With the departure of Dennis Pitta and the suspension of Darren Waller, the depth chart has become thin, while the opportunity to start has never been higher for the remaining bunch. Crockett Gillmore is coming off of an injury that limited him to only seven games in 2016, and he’s currently dealing with more that are still limiting him.

As Zrebiec mentioned, Gillmore is expected to be ready for camp and if he is opportunity is there for the taking. Gillmore will be entering his fourth year, nearly two years removed from his best season. If he can stay healthy and take advantage of Joe Flacco’s favorability to his tight ends, then he really does have a shot to fulfill this label.