With their second-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft, the Baltimore Ravens addressed arguably their biggest area of need.
Baltimore moved up in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals, which resulted in them selecting the No. 55 pick in order to grab Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams. This position was easily one of the biggest positions of need coming into the draft for the Ravens after losing Owen Daniels in free agency and Dennis Pitta battling chronic hip issues.
Despite what the Bengals may think, Williams was easily the best TE in this year's draft and someone who can make an immediate impact in Baltimore. The 6'4", 249-pound Williams led Minnesota in receptions (36), yards (569) and receiving touchdowns (eight) this past season. That made him a finalist for the 2014 John Mackey Award, which honors the nation's top tight end every year.
Williams is not the biggest or most physical tight end you'll find, but is a good route-runner with great hands and knows how to find an open hole in the defense. He's also in the mold of the new breed of tight ends who can line up and run WR routes with ease and cause more mismatches against defenses.
Here is an excerpt of Williams' scouting report by NFL.com's Lance Zierlein, who compares him to former Giants and Saints Pro Bowler Jeremy Shockey:
Primarily used as move tight end. Straight-line wheels to beat linebackers and safeties. Accelerates to top speed quickly on crossers and speed outs. Speed to chew up cushion and open a throwing window over the top. Will threaten seam and dominated defenders on wheel routes.
Red-zone winner. Can do damage after the catch and shows playmaking aptitude with tight end screens. Extends and goes all out for the catch. Got a foot inbounds on three circus catches. Eighty-two percent of his catches were for either a first down or touchdown.
NFL COMPARISON: Jeremy Shockey
With the oft-injured Pitta being his only real competition, Williams is good enough to come in and start Week 1. He's also good enough to be one of the top two or three pass-catchers in the Ravens' offense as a rookie.