Raw, fiery and not afraid of getting his hands dirty, Ravens tight end Crockett Gillmore has all the traits that are required to “play like a Raven.”
Taking over the back-up role for Owen Daniels after the veteran moved up the depth chart following Dennis Pitta’s season-ending hip injury in Week 3 against the Browns, Gillmore fared well in offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak’s tight end friendly system.
“That’s just part of the role coming into the organization and coming into the NFL,” remarked Gillmore when asked about having to play such a key role in his rookie year. ”
Gillmore saw acton in 15 games in 2014 (missing one due to a back injury) making one start (week nine vs. Pittsburgh) replacing an injured Daniels. Playing in 379 total plays, the former Colorado State standout hauled in 10 receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown.
His postseason resume was one of which you would typically expect from a rookie, recording two receptions for 30 yards and one touchdown. Perhaps his biggest moment of the season came when the gritty tight end’s 21-yard touchdown reception against Pittsburgh provided the proverbial nail in coffin for the Ravens to advance to the divisional round of the playoffs.
The Ravens hoped they were getting a much needed blocking tight end when they drafted Gillmore in the third round in 2014, and his blue collar work ethic has provided them with some security for the future.
Looking forward to the 2015 season, Gillmore is ready to use the valuable knowledge he gained this year in the face of adversity.
“It’s the guys that keep it consistent as possible that are going to be able to maintain and continue to get stronger throughout their careers,” he explained. Â “That’s all I really want to do is to continue to build and continue to get better at what I’m doing and keep the process going. This offseason you still have to go to work everyday and if you don’t have that mentality you’re not going to be around very long.”
The Ravens are facing another offseason in which the tight end position will be evaluated heavily by the front office. Many questions still surround when and if Pitta will return and just how healthy he will be. Another question is whether or not to bring the 32-year-old Daniels back after he was just signed to just a one-year deal last offseason.
For now though, Gillmore is the only certainty at tight next next season for the Ravens and in the meantime he’s ready to take a little time off before getting back to the grind to build on his rookie year.
“I’m going to go back to Texas and Colorado for a little bit and see the family and keep working,” Gillmore said of his immediate offseason plans.
Good luck Crockett. We’ll see you back at the Castle soon.
Follow me on Twitter @sportguyRSR
