Why to be excited for Maxx Williams coming to Baltimore

[BmoreBird22]

I mean Jordan Matthews was 6'3 and ran a 4.46.  Matthews is definitely very athletic.

If you watched him on tape before the combine, we're you expecting 4.46? Keep in mind that's near what Jimmy and Torrey ran

[izvoodoo]

If you watched him on tape before the combine, we're you expecting 4.46? Keep in mind that's near what Jimmy and Torrey ran

No, not at all.  But I would never really call Jordan Matthews unathletic.  But never the football player OBJ was.  I mean who is?

[BmoreBird22]

No, not at all.  But I would never really call Jordan Matthews unathletic.  But never the football player OBJ was.  I mean who is?

He's not unathletic to make it to the NFL, but as with Maxx, I don't think the combine showed his true athletecism

[izvoodoo]

He's not unathletic to make it to the NFL, but as with Maxx, I don't think the combine showed his true athletecism

Agreed.  I think Maxx will succeed, and is a pretty safe pick.  Honestly I think Perriman will succeed too.  The one I'm a little worried about is Carl Davis.  After the top 3 picks though I think it's unfair to expect contributions in the first two seasons.  

[Dr. Kelley]

His post makes perfect sense. Gilmore= minimal impact/stats and he wants Maxx to have a huge impact like a Todd Heap or Dennis Pitta. And you said Gilmore had a good season FOR being a rookie backup. He wants him to have a good year for being the starter. Do you understand now?

Maxx isn't starting. Get over it.

[D-Rey]

Maxx isn't starting. Get over it.

Proof that he isn't starting for sure? I mean he may not start, but you can't say you know for sure.

[FlackAttack]

Proof that he isn't starting for sure? I mean he may not start, but you can't say you know for sure.

dont really need proof. just common sense.

[BmoreBird22]

never said he cant contribute lol im expecting a respectable rookie season from him. and i was a huge fan of matthews coming out and i wanted us to take him bad, he was my 2nd favorite wr in the draft after ODB, but he had a whole lot more than hands and ball skills, that dude plays like a 10 year nfl veteran, he is every bit as pro ready, refined and polished as amari cooper but with less athleticism, his route running was nothing short of elite before he even took a snap, as a matter of fact his hands in tight coverage were a bit of a concern coming out but he was so great at gaining enough separation that teams werent worried about it. 

 

maxx williams is nowhere near that status, he shows potential to be an elite route runner, he has stiff hips and he rounds out his routes but he still shows a good grasp of getting open, the slight lack of burst and the rounding out of his routes will hinder his ability to contribute consistently, he will still make his plays though simply because of his incredible hands and ball skills, i just think year 2 or 3 is when he becomes that elite, consistent chain mover, his game needs a bit of refinement, for now he appears to be a threat to make a spectacular catch at any time, but i think he will disappear at times and just wont be very consistent. i think that day will come for sure, but as a rookie thats just how im expecting him to perform.

I wasn't that high on Matthews just because hands in traffic were a concern, and he showed that to be a concern in the NFL. He did have great routes and he was very nuanced, but even in the NFL, he struggled to get open from man coverage just because he simply lacked the athleticism and at that point, he's not going to be a huge jump ball machine or someone catching every single thing thrown his way in tight coverage. I think playing in a very creative Chip Kelly offense definitely helped.

 

As far as Maxx goes, I honestly have to question if the route running was a lack of effort. I do agree he's tight, but I mean, almost any NFL player can run good routes if they're willing to put the effort in. That doesn't mean Maxx will ever have an amazing repertoire of routes, but I think he can definitely improve his effort and be more effective. I'm not expecting a majorly huge season where he whips out 1,000 yards or anything, but I'm also expecting a far more productive year than what Crockett Gilmore had. I did see one minicamp note in passing that said he's pretty much catching everything thrown his way, which is much of what I would expect and I think just having those ridiculously strong hands, and a really big tendency to just makes plays, will mean he'll be getting some serious work in the passing game.

 

I think I read somewhere that Crockett Gilmore actually bulked up, so I would not expect him to be making major contributions outside of the red zone as a receiver, so Maxx is likely to be the guy. I also think he'll have a really fair chance to be a blocker because Gilmore could use some work even as a blocker and Maxx at least gives great effort and appears to have a firm base skill set as a blocker that should improve with weight room training.

[edreed2o]

I think people are forgetting about Maxx's huge hands(10.5 inches, bigger than Odell Beckham's hands) and huge wingspan. Those two attributes will take the pressure off his route running and stiffness in the hips. I think his route runnng will be alot better by year two though. There's really not much to complain about Maxx Williams. Yea, he doesn't have the 4.5 speed but most TE's don't. He has a ton of upside and I feel pretty safe about him. I think he'll have about 30 catches this year.

[CalvinSmoke]

I wasn't that high on Matthews just because hands in traffic were a concern, and he showed that to be a concern in the NFL. He did have great routes and he was very nuanced, but even in the NFL, he struggled to get open from man coverage just because he simply lacked the athleticism and at that point, he's not going to be a huge jump ball machine or someone catching every single thing thrown his way in tight coverage. I think playing in a very creative Chip Kelly offense definitely helped.

As far as Maxx goes, I honestly have to question if the route running was a lack of effort. I do agree he's tight, but I mean, almost any NFL player can run good routes if they're willing to put the effort in. That doesn't mean Maxx will ever have an amazing repertoire of routes, but I think he can definitely improve his effort and be more effective. I'm not expecting a majorly huge season where he whips out 1,000 yards or anything, but I'm also expecting a far more productive year than what Crockett Gilmore had. I did see one minicamp note in passing that said he's pretty much catching everything thrown his way, which is much of what I would expect and I think just having those ridiculously strong hands, and a really big tendency to just makes plays, will mean he'll be getting some serious work in the passing game.

I think I read somewhere that Crockett Gilmore actually bulked up, so I would not expect him to be making major contributions outside of the red zone as a receiver, so Maxx is likely to be the guy. I also think he'll have a really fair chance to be a blocker because Gilmore could use some work even as a blocker and Maxx at least gives great effort and appears to have a firm base skill set as a blocker that should improve with weight room training.

Gillmore is a beast... Did everything we asked if him with little issues. He blocked solidly and made his catches and even ran after the catch. Not only is Crockett just as 'fast' as maxx he's also a better blocker and he's got a year in this league already. Plus he's got soft hands, he's going to be ahead of maxx this year. And that's not saying maxx can't be great, it's just early

[BmoreBird22]

Gillmore is a beast... Did everything we asked if him with little issues. He blocked solidly and made his catches and even ran after the catch. Not only is Crockett just as 'fast' as maxx he's also a better blocker and he's got a year in this league already. Plus he's got soft hands, he's going to be ahead of maxx this year. And that's not saying maxx can't be great, it's just early

Gilmore actually dropped two passes on only 13 targets, which is cause for concern, just like Juice fumbling so frequently. I also think his YAC is far inferior to Williams'. I also think Gilmore could use work finishing his blocks and working through them for as much as he was advertised as an elite blocker by most Ravens fans

[JoeyFlex5]

 

I think I read somewhere that Crockett Gilmore actually bulked up, so I would not expect him to be making major contributions outside of the red zone as a receiver, so Maxx is likely to be the guy. I also think he'll have a really fair chance to be a blocker because Gilmore could use some work even as a blocker and Maxx at least gives great effort and appears to have a firm base skill set as a blocker that should improve with weight room training.

i agreed with your whole post until that last paragraph, crockett was no slouch in the passing game as the 2nd option, and reports seem to point towards crockett being not only the clear cut top TE to start the season, but possibly joes #1 target. 

 

reports arent always reliable(see offseason reports on elam) but there are some things that can be bluffed and some things that cant be bluffed by reporters, and for them all to consistently say that joe is looking crocketts way over and over and is force feeding him the ball, and crockett is responding with outstanding results.. this one just doesnt sound like a bluff to me, meanwhile the reports on mad maxx have been relatively quiet. but then again, he is a very young rookie TE, its sorta what i expected.

[BmoreBird22]

i agreed with your whole post until that last paragraph, crockett was no slouch in the passing game as the 2nd option, and reports seem to point towards crockett being not only the clear cut top TE to start the season, but possibly joes #1 target. 

 

reports arent always reliable(see offseason reports on elam) but there are some things that can be bluffed and some things that cant be bluffed by reporters, and for them all to consistently say that joe is looking crocketts way over and over and is force feeding him the ball, and crockett is responding with outstanding results.. this one just doesnt sound like a bluff to me, meanwhile the reports on mad maxx have been relatively quiet. but then again, he is a very young rookie TE, its sorta what i expected.

I think that he could be the number one target in the red zone, but I do not believe for a second that he'd be the primary option in the passing game outside the red zone and goal line. Isn't he about 275 pounds? That's not someone who's going to be super agile and gain consistent separation, not even to mention that again, he dropped two passes out of 13 targets. I mean, hands can be improved on, but that's not good. Plus, pads haven't even come on yet.

 

The only report that I saw was a brief one that said Maxx was catching everything thrown his way. That was about it. I'm sure we'll hear more once the pads come on.

[-Truth-]

I think that he could be the number one target in the red zone, but I do not believe for a second that he'd be the primary option in the passing game outside the red zone and goal line. Isn't he about 275 pounds? That's not someone who's going to be super agile and gain consistent separation, not even to mention that again, he dropped two passes out of 13 targets. I mean, hands can be improved on, but that's not good. Plus, pads haven't even come on yet.

 

The only report that I saw was a brief one that said Maxx was catching everything thrown his way. That was about it. I'm sure we'll hear more once the pads come on.

 

I also have a difficult time envisioning Crockett as the No.1 target in the passing game.

[Tank 92]

Gillmore is a beast... Did everything we asked if him with little issues. He blocked solidly and made his catches and even ran after the catch. Not only is Crockett just as 'fast' as maxx he's also a better blocker and he's got a year in this league already. Plus he's got soft hands, he's going to be ahead of maxx this year. And that's not saying maxx can't be great, it's just early

 

I agree. While he wasn't used as a primary target, as a rookie Gilmore showed poise and a good football IQ. I think he will prove to be much better than some seem to think.  

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

Williams rookie season depends 100% on Pitta. If he can return to play at all he'll be either the #1 or #2 which pushes Maxx down to #3 either way. That would limit him to a few plays designed specifically for him and maybe some red zone opportunities.

If Pittas not good to go, Maxx will receive a good amount of snaps and I think in that case he'll have a slightly better season than Gillmore had. More receptions and TDs but less of a presence blocking.

Hurting Williams chances is just how good Gillmore has looked. He went from being widely viewed as little more than a blocking TE to a very good all around TE who could be a monster on 3rd downs and in the red zone.

He had a great rookie season as a blocker and flashed potential as a receiver and looks like he's really worked at that part of his game. So far he's looked like one of Joe's favorite and most reliable targets especially when he needs a play to be made.

Before OTAs started I really thought Maxx had a chance to start or at least be the go to receiving TE. He may not get that chance now, but he will get chances and I do think he'll be effective with the opportunities he's given. If we're playing late in the post season I see him having a Dennis pitta-like breakout from 2011.

Ultimately while he might not have the rookie season some had hoped for I think in the long run he benefits more from playing behind Crocks and possibly pitta this year.

He's still so young and while dripping with talent his game needs refinement.. So taking a year to really let him learn without being thrust into the spotlight will be beneficial to his long term development

[Tru11]

Gilmore is going to be the starter since he is the best blocker we have with experience.

 

if pitta is back he will be the 3rd down TE and if he cant go then maxx is going to get those snaps.

 

there is at the moment no need to throw a rookie into the fire TBH.

[D-Rey]

dont really need proof. just common sense.

I mean it's not really common sense. You're acting like it's already a fact that there is no way that Maxx can start. If Maxx starts tearing it up in TC and out performs Gillmore, than he will more than likely start. You always start your best players. I'm not saying that he will start, but you don't know for sure that he won't. Unless you have a link with an actual quote from John Harbaugh that there is no chance of him starting, than there is a chance he could perform well and start. So you can't really act like it's a fact.

[D-Rey]

I wasn't that high on Matthews just because hands in traffic were a concern, and he showed that to be a concern in the NFL. He did have great routes and he was very nuanced, but even in the NFL, he struggled to get open from man coverage just because he simply lacked the athleticism and at that point, he's not going to be a huge jump ball machine or someone catching every single thing thrown his way in tight coverage. I think playing in a very creative Chip Kelly offense definitely helped.

 

As far as Maxx goes, I honestly have to question if the route running was a lack of effort. I do agree he's tight, but I mean, almost any NFL player can run good routes if they're willing to put the effort in. That doesn't mean Maxx will ever have an amazing repertoire of routes, but I think he can definitely improve his effort and be more effective. I'm not expecting a majorly huge season where he whips out 1,000 yards or anything, but I'm also expecting a far more productive year than what Crockett Gilmore had. I did see one minicamp note in passing that said he's pretty much catching everything thrown his way, which is much of what I would expect and I think just having those ridiculously strong hands, and a really big tendency to just makes plays, will mean he'll be getting some serious work in the passing game.

 

I think I read somewhere that Crockett Gilmore actually bulked up, so I would not expect him to be making major contributions outside of the red zone as a receiver, so Maxx is likely to be the guy. I also think he'll have a really fair chance to be a blocker because Gilmore could use some work even as a blocker and Maxx at least gives great effort and appears to have a firm base skill set as a blocker that should improve with weight room training.

I heard them say the bulk was actually a good thing for him as far as being a receiving option. They said he has looked faster as well.

[FlackAttack]

the only way maxx williams starts game 1 of the nfl seasln is if gillmore goes down with an injury during training camp.

[Edgar]

Expect the Ravens to run PLENTY of two tight end sets this year. All this discourse as to whether or not Maxx "starts", to me is beside the point. Unless Pitta plays( I doubt it at this point), Maxx will be on the field plenty.

[edreed2o]

Crockett didnt have a Jason Witten type year last year. He was a rookie last year. Maxx is a rookie this year. Maxx does have a shot. Lets see what they both do on the field during training camp and pre season.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

Expect the Ravens to run PLENTY of two tight end sets this year. All this discourse as to whether or not Maxx "starts", to me is beside the point. Unless Pitta plays( I doubt it at this point), Maxx will be on the field plenty.

Spot on.

Though I wouldn't count Pitta out just yet. I never expected him to be cleared at any point during OTAs or mini camp. That would just place way too much public pressure on him to play this year.

I think Pitta is using this time off to decide what he wants to do with his family. If he wants to play I think he'll be cleared to practice once TC begins. If he doesn't he'll be placed on the PUP and eventually IR.

But I think he wants to play, and as long as he wants to he will. The doctors, coaches and FO won't keep him from playing if he wants to. He might not be ready to go to start the season and they'll ease him in slowly especially since Crockett has looked so good and we have Maxx now...

....but I'll put good money on it - Pitta will play.

[January J]

Gilmore actually dropped two passes on only 13 targets, which is cause for concern, just like Juice fumbling so frequently. I also think his YAC is far inferior to Williams'. I also think Gilmore could use work finishing his blocks and working through them for as much as he was advertised as an elite blocker by most Ravens fans

2 passes? That's the least of my concerns and definitely a non issue. Think about it, SSS dropped about 4 passes on the season opener and was our top receiver. You say that you read that Maxx was catching everything in minicamp but I think you may be mistaken bc I read the exact same thing about Crockett - and that him and joe were already building a strong connection and clicking left and right. I can see Gilmore being his go to guy in clutch 3rd down situations and in the redzone- similar to how pitta use to be. Joe loves them big body's. ppl are sleepin on Crockett man.. He's comin. Edited July 4, 2015 by January J

[FlackAttack]

Expect the Ravens to run PLENTY of two tight end sets this year. All this discourse as to whether or not Maxx "starts", to me is beside the point. Unless Pitta plays( I doubt it at this point), Maxx will be on the field plenty.

^^^this.

[RealChampsFan]

I'm excited about Maxx. He was the best TE in the draft and PItt was upset when Ozzie traded over them to

get him and he used one of the picks he got for Ngata. Maxx will be a big target in the red zone. I saw

some projections for Maxx to gain about 500 yards receiving and about 7 TDs as a rookie.

 

As far as starting, dont forget Kubes used two TEs last year and Trestman is suppose to use the same system plus a new wrinkle or two which Joe already has down pat. Trestman loved to throw to his RB last year and Forsett can't wait for this year to start.. 

 

Back to the two TEs, while Gimore is the best blocking TE, he could go out like he did in the wild card game and iced it on  a crossing pattern but this year they could have Maxx running from the opposite end to get a mismatch.

 

The Sun's last article on the last mini camp was that while Maxx wasn't as exciting as Perriman who caught some Flacco bombs in camp, Maxx did move the chains as advertised in his scouting reports.

 

On top of that  Harbaugh said they will experiment with Waller as TE to get him some snaps to use his 6'7 frame for mis-matches across the  middle. We need Pitta back but we are really deep at TE if he can't return this year with Nick Boyle bringing up the rear who had great mini camps and just might be the best blocking TE on the team.

 

Pay attention to Nick in the pre-season. I can't wait.

Edited July 20, 2015 by RealChampsFan

[January J]

I'm excited about Maxx. He was the best TE in the draft and PItt was upset when Ozzie traded over them to

get him and he used one of the picks he got for Ngata. Maxx will be a big target in the red zone. I saw

some projections for Maxx to gain about 500 yards receiving and about 7 TDs as a rookie.

As far as starting, dont forget Kubes used two TEs last year and Trestman is suppose to use the same system plus a new wrinkle or two which Joe already has down pat. Trestman loved to throw to his RB last year and Forsett can't wait for this year to start..

Back to the two TEs, while Gimore is the best blocking TE, he could go out like he did in the wild card game and iced it on a crossing pattern but this year they could have Maxx running from the opposite end to get a mismatch.

The Sun's last article on the last mini camp was that while Maxx wasn't as exciting as Perriman who caught some Flacco bombs in camp, Maxx did move the chains as advertised in his scouting reports.

On top of that Harbaugh said they will experiment with Waller as TE to get him some snaps to use his 6'7 frame for mis-matches across the middle. We need Pitta back but we are really deep at TE if he can't return this year with Nick Boyle bringing up the rear who had great mini camps and just might be the best blocking TE on the team.

Pay attention to Nick in the pre-season. I can't wait.

I feel ya buddy only a couple more weeks . Time couldn't go by any slower.

[JoeyFlex5]

I'm excited about Maxx. He was the best TE in the draft and PItt was upset when Ozzie traded over them to

get him and he used one of the picks he got for Ngata. Maxx will be a big target in the red zone. I saw

some projections for Maxx to gain about 500 yards receiving and about 7 TDs as a rookie.

 

As far as starting, dont forget Kubes used two TEs last year and Trestman is suppose to use the same system plus a new wrinkle or two which Joe already has down pat. Trestman loved to throw to his RB last year and Forsett can't wait for this year to start.. 

 

Back to the two TEs, while Gimore is the best blocking TE, he could go out like he did in the wild card game and iced it on  a crossing pattern but this year they could have Maxx running from the opposite end to get a mismatch.

 

The Sun's last article on the last mini camp was that while Maxx wasn't as exciting as Perriman who caught some Flacco bombs in camp, Maxx did move the chains as advertised in his scouting reports.

 

On top of that  Harbaugh said they will experiment with Waller as TE to get him some snaps to use his 6'7 frame for mis-matches across the  middle. We need Pitta back but we are really deep at TE if he can't return this year with Nick Boyle bringing up the rear who had great mini camps and just might be the best blocking TE on the team.

 

Pay attention to Nick in the pre-season. I can't wait.

source? because ive heard fans discuss this and it often gets shot down as a non-option and i have yet to see a source.

[reed20]

I'm very hyped up about Maxx!

[RealChampsFan]

source? because ive heard fans discuss this and it often gets shot down as a non-option and i have yet to see a source.

I'm not sure who you wanted a source on, Maxx or Nick since he was last person mentioned. So since the

thread is on Maxx I'll post this scouting report on Maxx which says he should get some decent amount of starts as rookie and he has big hands and long arms and can block with power or finesse. I also quoted a Sun article above that Maxx moved the chains in mini camp.

 

Note the link says Maxx is quality insurance if Pitta doesn't return and I meant to compare him to Heap

as this report does. Maxx had almost 1,000 yards and 13 TDs last year as The Big 10s TE of the year.

 

 

Ravens traded up with the Cardinals to select Minnesota TE Maxx Williams with the No. 55 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft.

Williams (6'4/249) made 17 starts in two seasons at Minnesota, parlaying 61 catches into 986 yards (16.2 YPR) and 13 TDs. He was the 2014 Big Ten Tight End of the Year and a second-team All American. A flex/move tight end who also blocks competently, Williams' game has similarities to former Ravens TE Todd Heap. Williams tested in the Brent Celek range with a 4.78 forty and 34 1/2-inch vertical at the Combine. Still an at-times dynamic receiving threat, Williams has huge hands (10 3/8") and long arms (33 1/2"), and can win with power or finesse. He's quality insurance should Dennis Pitta not make it back from his severe hip injury. Williams is sure to see the field a decent amount as a rookie. May 1 - 9:08 PM

 

• Ravens trade up for Minnesota TE Maxx William 

  May 1 - 9:08 PM

• Gophers' TE Williams bringing with upside 

  Apr 15 - 5:59 PM

• Brinson: Williams would be a big help in DEN 

  Apr 9 - 3:55 PM

•  

Ravens

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/cfb/133486/maxx-williams

Edited July 20, 2015 by RealChampsFan