Tag: eli wolf

Ravens reportedly bring in veteran tight end for visit

The Baltimore Ravens reportedly brought in tight end MyCole Pruitt for a visit this week. He would provide another option at the position

The Baltimore Ravens have felt the void that Hayden Hurst left after being traded to the Atlanta Falcons. He wanted a bigger role, and with Mark Andrews turning into one of the best tight ends in the NFL, Hurst wanted a chance to shine on his own.

Baltimore used three tight end sets a relatively high amount in 2019 with Andrews, Hurst, and Nick Boyle. While Andrews and Boyle still remain with the team, the Ravens have tried a plethora of options to try to replace Hurst, including Patrick Ricard, Eric Tomlinson, Luke Willson and more. Now it seems that they’re looking at another veteran tight end, as Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that Baltimore brought in MyCole Pruitt for a visit earlier in the week.

Pruitt has spent time with four teams over the course of his seven year career. In total, he’s caught 32 passes for 343 yards and four touchdowns. Pruitt is athletic and has good receiving skills as well as having the ability to be a good blocker, and could fill a role if signed by the Ravens.

Aside from Andrews and Boyle, Baltimore currently has tight ends such as Tomlinson, Josh Oliver, Jacob Breeland, Eli Wolf, Ben Mason, and others on their roster. If Pruitt is added to that mix, it would add to a crowded tight end room, but would increase competition and bring the best out of every player fighting for a roster spot.

With extremely deep offense, Ravens might have to make some difficult decisions

The Baltimore Ravens brought in plenty of playmakers to round out their offense. However, they could have to make some tough decisions

The Baltimore Ravens have always been a team that values depth at as many positions as possible. Having so much depth is a good problem to have, but sometimes it can create roster crunches that turn into tough decisions.

In 2021, Baltimore might have put together one of the deepest rosters they’ve ever had. The team only has a few minor needs, and even those don’t necessarily have to be addressed, as the players already on the roster can make those holes seem smaller than they actually are if they perform at a high level.

On the offensive side of the ball in particular, the Ravens made sure to add plenty of talented playmakers that can not only play at a high level, but also fit their style of play. Both the additions and the players already on the roster have bought into Baltimore’s style of offense, which is extremely important.

When looking at how deep each position on the offense actually is, one would be hard pressed to find any huge weaknesses. The team has three quality young quarterbacks, including a star in Lamar Jackson. They have three great young running backs as well that compliment each other while also bringing something different to the table than the other two.

Where the offseason additions begin to be seen is at the wide receiver position, where the team added Sammy Watkins, Rashod Bateman, and Tylan Wallace to compliment players such as Marquise Brown and Devin Duvernay. At tight end, the team has a plethora of options behind Mark Andrews and Nick Boyle, and the offensive line saw a boost with the acquisitions of Kevin Zeitler, Alejandro Villanueva and Ben Cleveland, as they’ll team up with Ronnie Stanley, Bradley Bozeman and others.

Having all of that depth is a good thing for the Ravens, but once it’s time for the team to trim their roster to 53 players, it could result in a few difficult roster decisions for Baltimore. At quarterback, the team might have to choose between Tyler Huntley and Trace McSorley if they need an extra roster space. Wide receivers Miles Boykin and James Proche seem like they’re going to be fighting over one roster spot. At tight end, there are a plethora of options who could try to secure the third tight end spot in Jacob Breeland, Eli Wolf, Eric Tomlinson, Josh Oliver, and others. Even on the offensive line, there will be training camp battles to determine multiple positions, and players like Ben Bredeson, Ben Powers, Tyre Phillips and more will have their hands full competing for both starting spots and roster spots.

Overall, the Ravens will go into the 2021 season with a well-rounded roster that can sustain good play even in the event of injuries. However, the team will most likely have to let some talented players go once it’s time to cut their roster down for the regular season.

 

Ravens Draft Prospect Profile: Brevin Jordan

The Baltimore Ravens missed using three tight end sets in 2020. Could the Ravens target Brevin Jordan?

The Baltimore Ravens value tight ends more than most of the NFL. Their three tight end sets using Mark Andrews, Hayden Hurst, and Nick Boyle took the league by storm in 2019, helping Baltimore put up historic rushing numbers. However, the team traded Hurst during the 2020 offseason, leaving a huge hole in their offense.

One player who could help the Ravens get back to their style of putting three tight ends on the field is University of Miami tight end Brevin Jordan. The 6-foot-3, 245 pound tight end enjoyed solid production as a Hurricane, putting up 105 receptions for 1,358 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Despite his great receiving numbers, he’s also a good blocker who would give Baltimore an all-around player who would fill in nicely next to Andrews and Boyle. His skill set would be perfect to fill a role like Hurst had for the Ravens, and he can be utilized all over the field in a variety of different ways.

Jordan is a monster in the open field, and was utilized on screens a lot in college. If Baltimore could scheme up plays to maximize his ability in space, it would make the Ravens’ offense even more of a nightmare to defend against.

It’s no secret that Baltimore missed using three tight ends in 2020. Despite having some other options on their roster such as Jacob Breeland, Eli Wolf, Josh Oliver and Eric Tomlinson, having a player like Jordan to pair with Andrews and Boyle would help the Ravens open up both their running game and their passing game even more.

Baltimore Ravens sign pair of Bulldogs to practice squad

The Baltimore Ravens have signed former Georgia football TE Eli Wolf and LS Nick Moore to 2020 practice squad.

The Baltimore Ravens have signed former Georgia tight end Eli Wolf as well as former Georgia long snapper Nick Moore to their 2020 practice squad.

Wolf transferred to UGA from Tennessee for his senior year.  He caught 13 passes for 194 yards and one touchdown for the Bulldogs in 2019.

Wolf was not selected in the 2020 NFL Draft but was signed by Baltimore as an undrafted free agent shortly after.  The Ravens trimmed Wolf for their 53-man roster cuts but have decided to keep him on as a practice squad member.

Long snapper Nick Moore hails from Brookwood High School in Snellville, Georgia. He came to Georgia in 2015 as a Mark Richt recruit after being drafted by the Red Sox and playing four years of minor league baseball.

Moore, from 2015-18, played in 23 games for the Dawgs. He was given an opportunity by the New Orleans Saints but was unable to earn a roster spot.  Prior to making Baltimore’s practice squad, Moore was a member of the XFL’s Tampa Bay Vipers.

Ravens assign former Vols to practice squad

Ravens assign former Vols to practice squad.

BALTIMORE — A day after failing to make the Baltimore Ravens’ 53-man active roster, a pair of former University of Tennessee football players discovered that the team had a place for them after all.

Defensive back Nigel Warrior and tight end Eli Wolf were assigned to Baltimore’s practice squad on Sunday.

Both players were released as the team trimmed its roster to 53 on Saturday.

Warrior, the son of former Vol and All-Pro defensive back Dale Carter, was not drafted in the spring, but joined the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in April, shortly after the 2020 NFL draft.

Wolf, who played for Tennessee before moving on to Georgia as a graduate transfer in 2019, was also named to Baltimore’s 16-man practice squad after being waived by the team Saturday.

He also joined the team as a free agent in the spring.

Ravens release a pair of former Vols

Ravens release a pair of former Vols.

BALTIMORE — The  Baltimore Ravens parted ways with a pair of former University of Tennessee football players Saturday, the NFL’s official cutdown day.

Baltimore waived rookie defensive back Nigel Warrior.

The Ravens also placed former Tennessee tight end Eli Wolf on waivers.

Warrior, the son of former Big Orange cornerback Dale Carter, signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in April, following the 2020 NFL draft.

Carter was an All-Pro standout in the NFL as he played for the Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints.

Wolf began his college career with the Vols, but moved on to Georgia as a graduate transfer.

Ravens cut TEs Jerell Adams, Eli Wolf, and Charles Scarff

The Baltimore Ravens only have two tight ends on the roster after cutting Jerell Adams, Eli Wolf, and Charles Scarff at the roster deadline

The Baltimore Ravens made their third tight end spot a big deal this offseason. But as the team made cuts down to the 53-man roster, it seems they didn’t like any of the other tight ends they had.

According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, the Ravens cut tight ends Jerell Adams, Eli Wolf, and Charles Scarff. That leaves Baltimore with just Mark Andrews and Nick Boyle on the roster. It also likely indicates yet another expansion in role for Patrick Ricard, who has played on offense, defense, and special teams throughout his career.

Ricard was given some snaps at tight end throughout training camp and apparently impressed enough for the Ravens to gamble on their depth at the position. He’s previously shown some ability as both a blocker and pass catcher at fullback, catching 12 passes for 59 yards and three touchdowns over the last three seasons in Baltimore. Ricard got a heavier dose of action last year, catching eight passes for 47 yards and a touchdown.

With the Ravens having brought former tight end turned offensive lineman Crockett Gilmore in for a tryout recently, Baltimore isn’t likely done figuring out their tight end group. But with everyone else cut, it seems like the answer is either Ricard or not on the roster right now.

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Ravens TE Eli Wolf, WR Antoine Wesley dealing with injuries

The Baltimore Ravens offense is having some early depth problems with WR Antoine Wesley and TE Eli Wolf suffering injuries at training camp.

The Baltimore Ravens are beginning to ramp up their training camp practices as they prepare for the regular season. As the intensity heats up, injuries often follow. On the third padded practice of training camp, Baltimore had a few new ones crop up.

Wide receiver Antoine Wesley was the newest absence from practice. Coach John Harbaugh said Wesley is dealing with a “shoulder situation,” with Wesley seeing a shoulder specialist. Harbaugh said they’re not sure if the injury will require surgery or not but preemptively noted Wesley’s likely to miss a few weeks.

Undrafted free agent tight end Eli Wolf was injured at the end of practice after a collision. While Harbaugh downplayed the injury, saying he didn’t think it was a serious issue, the team is waiting to hear about the extent of the injury once the training staff looks at him.

Wolf and Wesley join wide receiver Chris Moore, who has a broken finger, as the Ravens’ current injured player of training camp thus far. Baltimore placed cornerback Iman Marshall on injured reserve after he tore his ACL and MCL prior to pads coming on.

Wesley wasn’t expected to make the team, likely pushing for a spot on the practice squad rather than the 53-man roster. With the Ravens bringing in several wide receivers for workouts this week, Wesley’s injury might push Baltimore to cut him in favor of an unsigned free agent with time remaining in training camp. The Ravens have to be hoping the injury to Wolf isn’t very serious. While he’s an undrafted rookie, he’s in the competition for the third spot on the tight end depth chart.

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Mark Andrews offers insight, praise of tight ends competing for 3rd spot on depth chart

With three players all fighting for one roster spot at the bottom of the Baltimore Ravens depth chart, Mark Andrews offered his insight.

The Baltimore Ravens love to use multiple tight-end sets in their offense. With Hayden Hurst traded to the Atlanta Falcons this season, that opens up a coveted third spot on the tight end depth chart to competition. And with a handful of players vying for the job, it’s going to be a pretty interesting battle before rosters are trimmed down to 53 players on Sept. 5.

Mark Andrews, the top tight end on Baltimore’s roster, is excited for what he sees.

“The tight end room is definitely going to be a battle, and those guys are working hard,” said Andrews. “But there’s a lot of talent in our room right now.”

Both Andrews and Nick Boyle are locks to make the team. Andrews had a breakout season as a receiver in 2019 but is set up to further explode in his third year. Boyle is one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL and an underrated receiving threat too. That means the remaining group of Charles Scarff, Jerell Adams, and Eli Wolf are fighting for what is likely just one spot on the roster.

Many have given Wolf the best chance of making the team this year, especially after Jacob Breeland’s knee injury hadn’t recovered enough, pushing him to the reserve list. Though we should take it with a grain of salt, Wolf ran a ridiculously fast 40-yard dash of 4.43 seconds. That type of speed from a 6-foot-4 and 238-pound guy is an exciting proposition. Andrews has liked what he’s seen so far, specifically noting how quickly Wolf has picked up the playbook and his athleticism.

“Eli [Wolf], first of all, he’s done a great job of coming here and learning the system,” Andrews said. “He moves incredibly well, and I’m super excited to play with him some more and get on the field with him. But, he looks really good. I’m excited about that.”

Just because there are a few new faces this offseason, Scarff shouldn’t be discounted. He’s the player with the most time in the system, having been on Baltimore’s practice squad last season. That experience and the coaching staff’s familiarity with him could be the edge in an abbreviated offseason.

“Charles [Scarff] has been here for a year and knows the system extremely well,” Andrews continued. “Great blocker, has really good feet and he’s, honestly, pretty crafty with running routes.”

The newest member of the team is Adams, who was signed as a free agent last week following the team cutting Breelandto move him to the reserve list. Adams enters his fifth year in the NFL, something Andrews said was positive in this competition.

“Just being able to see him run routes and to see him move around,” Andrews continued. “He’s a guy that’s been in the league for a while and knows some things. So, he’s a good addition to the room.”

That’s a lot of praise coming from a Pro Bowl player. And it’s something coach John Harbaugh and his staff will need to sort through in short order at training camp. But having too many solid players fighting for a third tight end spot is a pretty good problem to have.

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Report: Ravens to sign TE Jerell Adams

The Baltimore Ravens were looking to add a little more depth at tight end after trading Hayden Hurst and found it in veteran Jerell Adams

The Baltimore Ravens use their tight ends more than just about any team in the league. Apparently, they wanted a little more depth on the roster at training camp, signing tight end Jerell Adams, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Adams has played with the New York Giants and Houston Texans over his four-year career. He’s started three of the 30 games he’s been active in, catching 24 passes for 214 yards and a touchdown. He’ll likely compete with the likes of UDFA Eli Wolf for the primary backup spot behind Mark Andrews and Nick Boyle.

The Ravens were in need for more help at tight end following their trade of Hayden Hurst to the Atlanta Falcons this offseason and UDFA Jacob Breeland going on the non-football injury list at training camp. Though Andrews and Boyle are a great one-two punch at the position, Baltimore loves utilizing up to four tight ends in a play.

Coming into the league in 2016, Adams fit the physical mold of a tight end, according to Draft Wire’s scouting report. He’s big at 6-foot-5 and 247 pounds with the strength and speed to play as either an in-line blocker or as a receiving threat. But, like his sixth-round draft status indicates, Adams wasn’t a polished product and subsequently has been buried on depth charts over his four years in the league.

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