Ravens training camp breakdown: tight ends

For 10 consecutive weekdays leading into the start of training camp on July 28, The Baltimore Sun is taking a position-by-position look at the Ravens' roster, the players who are locks and long shots and those on the bubble.The countdown started at the position with the least intriguing roster competition and will end at the most spirited.We've already looked at quarterback (July 13), defensive line (July 14) and offensive line (July 15). Today, we'll examine tight ends:How many they'll keep: 3 or 4Locks if healthy: Crockett Gillmore, Benjamin Watson, Maxx WilliamsOn the bubble: Dennis PittaLong shots: Daniel Brown*Start season suspended: Nick Boyle (10 games), Darren Waller (four games)Skinny: There has been a lot of talk this offseason about how many tight ends the Ravens could realistically keep, but the only question now is whether Pitta, who has played just seven games over the past three seasons because of a twice-fractured and dislocated hip, can stay healthy and make the team.Pitta looked really good through the various minicamps, but he still has physical hurdles to clear. Given how hard Pitta has worked to come back and what he means to his teammates, the Ravens figure to give the 31-year-old every chance to contribute.Still, it will be challenge for Pitta to carve out a role as both Gillmore and Williams are ascending players, and the Ravens signed Watson to a two-year deal, believing he'll make a significant impact.It will be interesting to see how offensive coordinator Marc Trestman uses all his tight ends. The Ravens have to make sure that Williams, who got better the more he played in his rookie season, doesn't get lost in the shuffle.A lot will change before the Ravens have to make decisions on the suspended Boyle and Waller, who won't count toward the regular-season roster after the preseason. Brown, a converted wide receiver, would be an ideal candidate for the practice squad, giving him another year to learn a new position.

Ravens training camp breakdown: tight ends

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