[News] Darren Waller Working To Prove Himself In Move To Tight End

[BR News]

The second-year player is trying to transition to tight end after playing wide receiver last year. He has his work cut out for him to earn a spot at a crowded position.

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[b93333]

All of which begs the question... why was it necessary to sign a free agent tight end?

[757RavensFan]

16 minutes ago, b93333 said:

All of which begs the question... why was it necessary to sign a free agent tight end?

At the time of Watson's signing, Gilmore's shoulder recovery was unknown, Pitta's recovery was unknown and Boyle was suspended for 10 games. Maxx Williams and Waller were the only 2 healthy and available TE's when we signed Watson. Makes perfect sense. 

[OLD SCHOOL SMASH BALL]

Waller is a keeper no matter where you line him up. If you cut him, the Pats will snatch him up for sure, snd make a star of him. Lets hope we dont let that happen

[snydro22]

All of which begs the question... why was it necessary to sign a free agent tight end?

I don't think they were expecting pitta to be as healthy as he is

[KidNme]

No doubt in my mind that our TE's are going to be a huge part of who we are on the field this year. I can see Trestman dialing up a few 4 TE sets for sure and why not? Can't wait to see how all this stuff unfolds.

[sami]

My Grampa told me that Ozzie was a WR in college and was made into a tight end in the pros plus was one of the best EVER. Lets hope Waller can do the same thing for OUR team.

[harfordravenfan]

Hoping the extra weight didn't slow him down too much. His size, height, and speed is a mismatch waiting to happen.

[stixfix69]

his size and speed is such a advantage, and if he can make the transition, he could be a beast..............

[JimmyBlack]

Waller is an injury or two away from starting. Who knows what he can do once he hits the field in the exhibition season?

[mearzunkies]

IMO keeping 4 TE's makes sense BUT 5? When Boyle's returns from his suspension he is gone so that is a no brainer.

[JamesA119]

My thought is that they make moves like carrying 7 O-linemen, by cutting James Hurst. Hurst is not likely to be picked up since he has always played badly, and was undrafted. A Kendrick Lewis trade - a long shot is also possible. If Brooks or Elam proves that they are ready, Lewis becomes expendable with Weddle in the fold. These two moves opens up 2 spots on the 53 man roster that can be used to keep the TE talents together, and one additional talent from the WR group i.e. Butler vs Campanaro vs Clay. Perriman might start the season on PUP with a week 6 return? Which might allow 2/3 of the aforementioned WRs to make the team.
If there's an injury on the O-line Hurst can always be called back.

[bluehen]

Waller is an injury or two away from starting. Who knows what he can do once he hits the field in the exhibition season?

Has Dennis Pitta actually been cleared for full contact by team doctors?

[drgeo]

Hey Garrett, do yourself a favor and correct the typo in the 4th paragraph up from the bottom, where you refer to Waller as "she."

[OLD SCHOOL SMASH BALL]

I rate any receiver this way first, top on list: Can you block on running plays, and make holes for backs, especially 2nd level take out the safety blocks......and  can you make the hard, 3rd down tight window/convert, or td catches when it matters, and not bleepin drop it. You show me that, and you will hear what we heard at last night O' game dh wins...... Ohhhh, oh, oh oh, oooooooooh, oooooooooooh

[Jacquouille]

I like Waller. I really do. I don't know how he could find a spot, but imo he really deserves it. Like stated above, he is a matchup nightmare in the making, and he's a playmaker on special team.

[JimmyBlack]

1 hour ago, bluehen said:

Has Dennis Pitta actually been cleared for full contact by team doctors?

Pressbox.online article has Benjamin Watson, Crockett Gillmore, Maxx Williams as the 3 TEs who make the roster.  Williams showed flashes late last year of being a productive pass-catcher, but he'll need to do more on special teams as well. Gillmore appears healthy again, and Watson is the veteran pickup who leads the group. Dennis Pitta will undoubtedly put in a valiant effort to make the team, but the Ravens will want as few health questions or outside distractions as possible on this roster.  I see Pitta ending up on the PUP list again this season.

[Saxxin]

6' 6" with 4.4 speed. That's a nightmare for any LB.

[JamesA119]

IMO keeping 4 TE's makes sense BUT 5? When Boyle's returns from his suspension he is gone so that is a no brainer.

I agree that if this group of 5 TEs play well, and the team does well, it will be very difficult for Boyle to find his way back into the active roster.

[Bohica5]

Really like this guy and hopes he makes the squad......

[Halshayeji]

9 hours ago, mearzunkies said:

IMO keeping 4 TE's makes sense BUT 5? When Boyle's returns from his suspension he is gone so that is a no brainer.

I absolutely agree. Boyle is gone unless everyone gets hurt by week 10 and he lucks out. My concern is that we have 5 TEs other than him. Watson Pitta Gilmore Williams and Waller. I'd hate to see Waller turn into the next M.Colston or J.Graham catching passes from Breez. 

[RayRocks]

Assuming Waller at least looks to show some potential and improvement in training camp, I'd keep him over almost any of the other bubble candidates we have on the roster, as well as some veterans that are generally expected to make the team (Watson, Pitta, Forsett, etc.).

He may not contribute as much to the team this year, but his potential far exceeds any of those players and his value on ST is extremely valuable.

However, we don't know how injuries are going to play out in training camp, and I'd be very okay with stashing him on IR for this season if that's what the team feels is necessary to keep him.

[huntrgathrr]

Waller is a beast and will make the 53 man roster either at TE or receiver. I can't even imagine keeping Butler, Campanaro or Reynolds over this guy. At 6'6 and with 4.4 speed he is a potential TD machine in the NFL. He may end up being our starting wideout before all is said and done. One thing for sure is that he will get on the field somewhere and cause nightmare mismatches for any defense.

[January J]

Waller and campanaro are the wildcards . we have 2 guys similar to both of them- Reynold's being younger, durable and  intriguing  while Mathews is similar to waller with a bit more experience. Can't keep em all.