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Earlier today, The Florida Times-Union’s Gene Frenette reported pre-draft trade discussions surrounding 2018 first-round pick TE Hayden Hurst. The possible trade partners include the New England Patriots and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Patriots, Jaguars exploring pre-draft trade for @Ravens TE Hayden Hurst, but whether it happens will depend on what draft capital teams r willing to part with. Hurst, who Jags we’re going to draft in 2018 ,told me 2 months ago he wants opportunity to catch more passes. Stay tuned
— Eugene Frenette (@GeneFrenette) February 24, 2020
Frenette also mentions Hurst said he wants the opportunity to catch more passes. To be fair, Hurst told a national audience he wants more passes when he was screaming for the ball against the Tennessee Titans in the 2019 Wildcard round.
I don’t expect the Ravens to move on from Hurst unless the return is significant. The Ravens use tight end sets more than any other team in the NFL. They constructed their offense for two tight end sets and specifically picked out their top players in the position for their contributions, with Nick Boyle’s dominant run-blocking, Mark Andrews’ route-running and pass-catching and Hurst’s combination of both.
If Hurst wants more involvement in the passing game, I believe the Ravens coaching staff can make it happen. Yes, he’s splitting snaps with Andrews while being in a run-centric offense but that doesn’t mean he’s only good for 30 catches per season. He’s a solid contributor whose hands are that of glue. He’s consistently made the tough catch when necessary. I don’t like the idea of him going to New England or Jacksonville and becoming a star.