Ravens News 7/3: Heap impressed with rookie TEs, OG rankings and more

Todd Heap looks forward to Ravens’ new look at tight end with Hayden Hurst, Mark Andrews - Mike Preston

“They’ve taken two before with Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson in 2010. I found it strange then, but not anymore,” Heap said. “I feel like they have a need at tight in the offense right now, and they appear to have gotten two good ones.

“We will see over the next couple of months, but I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen so far.”

“Offenses have evolved to the point where tight ends have become the main focus,” Heap said. “I have always thought we were some of the lowest-paid guys and at some point we needed to break that mold. Tight ends can create some of the greatest mismatches from the middle of the field to the red zone.

“Do you put a linebacker on him or a safety? You can put the tight end inside, outside or in the slot, but regardless they put a lot of stress on a defense because offenses have become so multiple.”

Heap’s point is well taken, It will be up to coordinator Mornhinweg to scheme advantageous mismatches for his rookie tight ends.

The Competition 2018: Quarterbacks - BaltimoreRavens.com

Most Anticipated Battle

Griffin is battling the Ravens’ history of keeping just two quarterbacks, something they’ve done every year since 2009 when they had Troy Smith and John Beck backing up Flacco. Head Coach John Harbaugh has been greatly impressed with how Griffin has carried himself on and off the field. The No. 2-overall pick and 2012 Offensive Rookie of the Year looks to restore his former shine.

Barring a wave of injuries, Robert Griffin’s potential roster spot will have to come at the expense of a recently drafted prospect. The Ravens are currently rostering 35 players they drafted between 2015 and 2018.

Pro Football Weekly’s 2018 Offensive Guard rankings - Hub Arkush

6. Marshal Yanda, Ravens

Yanda was limited to a career-low two games last season, when a fractured left ankle ended his season in Week Two. Yanda (6-3, 308 pounds) is small-ish by today’s NFL guard standards, but he is a devastating run blocker who is durable, consistent and tough as nails. He’s been named to six Pro Bowls and was a first-team All Pro in 2014 and 2015 and second-team All Pro in 2011, 2012 and 2016. The Ravens’ offense spins around the inside run game a good deal of the time with Yanda leading the way with his great natural strength, and he is also extremely effective in pass protection, playing with outstanding technique.

Baltimore’s offensive line should be sturdy next season if Marshal Yanda is able to play in all 16 games. Worth noting, former Raven Kelechi Osemele led PFW’s guard rankings for the second year in a row.