Free Agency Preview: Tight Ends

Depth Chart:

1. Crockett Gillmore
2. Maxx Williams
3. Konrad Reuland
4. Allen Reisner
5. Dennis Pitta (PUP)

2015 Recap:

Many of the Ravens positions were ravaged with injuries this season and tight end was definitely one of them. Gillmore and Williams were up and down with injuries and the surprise of the season Nick Boyle was suspended the final four games of the season when the team had unfortunately lost Gillmore for the rest of the year as well. 

Minus the injuries and suspensions, the group of Gillmore, Williams and Boyle performed well. Gillmore shined in his first season as the number one option at tight end while Williams took some time to develop. He had some production in the last few games of the season when Boyle and Gillmore were out. 

Potential Free Agent Additions:

Jermaine Gresham UFA:  Gresham is coming off of an unimpressive role in a potent Cardinals offense from 2015. Gresham had only 18 catches and 1 TD in the regular season, quite the fall from his 62 catches and 5 TDs in 2014. What he would add is a veteran presence to a young group of players with the possible upside to the player we once saw. He is younger(27) than any of the other viable options (Antonio Gates, 35 or Vernon Davis, 32). The issues he may have had with the Cardinals could have been he wasn't an important part of the offense, mainly driven by deep threat receivers and a power running game. When you watched their games it seemed Larry Fitzgerald was their short yard receiver in the offense as opposed to in Baltimore where you may see Flacco go to his tight end more often than his slot receiver.

Coby Fleener UFA: Of the two I would prefer Fleener. However I don't see Luck's security blanket getting out of Indy. While Fleener is coming off a subpar season, he was performing like that because of the team playing their worst QB. Only nabbing 3 TDs and 491 yards with nearly the same amount of targets as the two previous seasons. Once again, this was without Luck who, by far, is the team's most accurate passer. IF Fleener got out of Indy I would love to see him in purple and black, however it seems like more of a pipe dream.

2016 Outlook:

One name mentioned above in this piece was that of Nick Boyle, who was recently suspended for the first 10 games of the 2016 season for once again violating the league's substance abuse policy. He was again caught with PEDs in his system. More than likely ending his short career with the team. Harbaugh isn't a guy who enjoys being proved wrong and he thought Boyle had learned from his mistake at the end of last season. 

This could be the season of the Pitta comeback...or not. There is really no definite answer whether he will or won't just that he is trying. However with two young tight ends shining and Ozzie's ability to find value in free agents and the draft when it comes to his old position, I don't see how Boyle will still be on the team after his suspension is up and Pitta's potential comeback. Expect the team to roll once again with Gillmore and Williams as their top 2 options at the position. 

Purple Reigning Down Super Bowl Predictions EXTRAVAGANZA

Well it is almost time. For months we have watched two teams dominate the league almost as much as a Johnny Manziel headline. Finally, the league will crown its champion this Sunday night. Unfortunately, we all know how the Ravens season went. Positives of that....more biased opinion for the Super Bowl!

Especially since Tom "Cry Baby" Brady won't be there.

To be perfectly honest, I know the season is coming to a close but I just want all the hoopla to be over and get this game underway between two dominant defenses, a legendary quarterback and arguably the hottest young QB in the league. We have all heard all the picks and a tidbit of information as to why this team will win or will get smashed. So as I look into my crystal ball...

What I think will happen and what I want to happen are two totally different things. I think Peyton Manning will somehow find a way to win this game, I want Cam and the Panthers to shine because it would be nice to see kind of a passing of the torch if you will. From the old school (Manning) to the new school (Newton). What will make the evening fun is taking a shot every time you hear the terms "last rodeo" or "black quarterback" during the telecast. You might be drunk with two minutes left....IN THE FIRST QUARTER.

That being said I feel like this should be a very tight game that either team could win. If you put a gun to my head and made me choose I would take the Panthers. Before you argue with me sudden Bronco fan hear me out. I know your defense is great but hit the pause button and think about it for a minute. Big Ben with a backup running back and a bunch of young receivers was slinging it all over Denver. No Antonio Brown, no Le'Veon Bell and no shoulder for Roethlisberger. The only team all season to put up points was the Steelers (34 to be exact) during the regular season meeting.

Why does that matter? Even with a bum shoulder Ben was able to scramble around (not like he used to) and that big body wasn't easily crumbling to the ground say like the above mentioned Brady. Cam is more athletic than Ben and has a better offensive line to protect him. I like his chances to somehow find an open man or tuck it and run for a first down, drop the superman pose, make the first down signal, pull out a cell phone to call his momma all while styling all over the defense. His weapons are more than capable of getting open because they have been doing it all year. It's not like Newton only has one option to chuck the ball to, Olsen is his best/most dominant target but this kid has been slinging it to everyone no matter what.

The problem with the Panthers this season has been their inability to finish games. They almost blew a 31 point lead against the Seahawks. If they let the Broncos keep it close, momentum could easily swing in the favor of Manning but I have him throwing a few of those quackers to the Panthers. So I'm taking the Panthers in a tight game 27-20, with the MVP going to Luke Kuechly. I don't know what it is about that guy but he just always seems to be in the right place at the right time. More than likely he will be covering some of those short dump offs that Manning has been throwing a majority of this season and may snag one to take the opposite way.

So in preparation for this piece I reached out to the staff of Purple Reign and was more than pleased with the participation I received from everyone. So without further adieu...

Chuck Burke (writer)

In a shootout and dramatic game that will get compared to the arena leagues, Cam Newton will have four TDs and four turnovers. Peyton Manning will have two of each as well. The Broncos are more playoff tested and will make fewer mistakes early on, the Panthers will rally and write a storybook finish.

Score: Panthers 34-29

Patrick McDonough (writer)

Two awesome defenses, one awesome offense and one anemic offense. It would be poetic for Peyton to get a Super Bowl as he rides into the sunset but I don't see the old man pulling any magic in this game. There will be at least one defensive touchdown.

MVP: Cam Newton

Score: Panthers 24-17

Matt Szimanski (writer)

Going into the Super Bowl the Panthers are clearly the better overall team. However, when it comes to the grandest stage in sports, anything can happen. I expect Payton Manning to do just enough to capitalize on an excellent defensive performance and go out on top.

MVP: Manning, even though Von Miller will deserve it more. Sometimes, it's all about the narrative.

Ashley Anderson (writer/my partner in crime in "He said She said")

I've got Super Cam and the Panthers winning this one. Sure, we're all pretty certain this is Peyton's last shot at a ring but it's also pretty clear that his arm is blown. The Panthers were the highest scoring offense in the league this year. Even if the Broncos can slow them, they can't stop them.

Score: Panthers 30-21

BJ Appel (Cohost Purple Reign podcast)

In his "last rodeo" Peyton Manning can't put the finishing touches on the perfect ending. Unable to rely on Peyton's arm, the Broncos' running game will not be enough to keep up with Carolina. Greg Olsen hauls in 2 TDs and 100+ yards receiving from the to-be NFL MVP Cam Newton to secure the franchise's first Super Bowl victory.

Score: Carolina 31-23

MVP: Greg Olsen

Phil Gentile (Host Purple Reign podcast)

This playoff run by Peyton Manning reminds me a lot of Ray Lewis' last ride. Like Ray, I think Peyton has just enough in the tank to get one last win and his second Super Bowl. Broncos defense is the best in the league in my mind and they will be the x-factor, shutting down Cam as much as possible.

Score: Broncos 27-19

MVP: Aqib Talib


Everyone quick, call your bookies now....RIGHT NOW. Well not really, make your own decision. Enjoy your Super Bowl experience safely and I hope to see us all in better spirits next season!