Would drafting a tight end in the first round be a reach for the Ravens?

After addressing the wide receiver position in free agency, tight end remains a large need for the Ravens. There are some quality pass-catching tight ends in the draft, but the top prospects are considered mostly Day 2 prospects, with the chance of being gone by Baltimore’s second round pick at number 52 overall. Would it be a reach for the Ravens to take the top tight end in round one?

Most mock drafts have the first tight end being selected in the late-first to early-second round of the draft. While there is no consensus top tight end prospect, Penn State’s Mike Gesicki could be the best option for a team like Baltimore. The problem is, the Ravens have pick 16 and do not go on the clock again until pick 52. This is the range where Gesicki and the other top tight ends such Dallas Goedert and Hayden Hurst will most likely go.

A popular opinion is that Baltimore should trade back in the first round to acquire more picks. Trading back to the end of the first round would allow them to select a player like Gesicki without having to reach on him. Gesicki is the type of the player the Ravens’ offense could desperately use. He is an extremely athletic tight end who dominates on 50/50 balls with his jumping ability and good hands. Quarterback Joe Flacco needs a tight end like Gesicki, who can go up and get the ball on desperation throws.

Considering that pass-catching tight end is now a bigger need than wide receiver for Baltimore, would taking a guy like Gesicki be a reach at pick 16? I think so. The best way for the Ravens to land one of the top tight ends could be to trade back in the first and select one there. One could possibly fall to them in the second round, however, they may need to trade up in the second to grab a coveted tight end. Either way, Baltimore needs to take a tight end early in the draft.