A new offensive player is coming to Baltimore.
After using their top three picks on defenders, the Ravens took tight end Crockett Gillmore from Colorado State in the third round with the 99th-overall pick.
Gillmore, 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds, is a dual-threat tight end who could help in the run and pass game.
"He has the size and he does have some speed," General Manager Ozzie Newsome said. "But the thing we like about him is his ability to play at the point of attack and also to be viable in the passing game."
Gillmore gives the Ravens a big-bodied tight end who is an ideal fit in new Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak's scheme. Kubiak often runs multiple tight end sets, and Gillmore gives him options along with veterans Dennis Pitta and Owen Daniels.
"Coach Kubiak loves tight ends in his offense and obviously Ozzie loves tight ends, so he made a lot of sense for us," Assistant General Manager Eric DeCosta said.
Coming to Baltimore seemed like a natural fit for Gillmore, who had clearly done his homework on the Ravens. During a conference call with local reporters, he talked about fitting into Kubiak's offense and the excitement of playing alongside Pitta.
"There's not many teams that do it the way the Ravens do it and continue to be successful," Gillmore said. "I was intrigued by them and apparently they were intrigued by me. I'm just excited to be a Raven, and get down to work."
Adding Gillmore gives the Ravens a different kind of tight end than Pitta and Daniels, who both thrive as pass catchers. He can play on the line as a blocker, which is important within Kubiak's scheme.
Head Coach John Harbaugh, however, cautioned against labeling him solely as a blocking tight end.
"Crockett is a good blocker, but he's a good receiver downfield as well," Harbaugh said. "You see him run crossing routes downfield, and he's a big old target. He has good hands. He has potential to be a very complete tight end."
Gillmore caught 47 passes for 577 yards and two touchdowns last year. He has shown versatility throughout his career, and played defensive end during his freshman year. The coaching staff switched him to tight end during spring ball heading into his sophomore season, and he spent the next three years on offense.
He plans on bringing that versatility with him to the Ravens and stressed that he'll do whatever he can to make an impact.
You have to work your way in," Gillmore said. "It's a league where nothing is given to you. I plan on coming in and learning from all the tight ends – Dennis Pitta – and really being involved in that room."
