Training camp has been about what you would expect from rookie tight end Maxx Williams.
There have been some good days and some bad days for the 21-year-old Williams, who during rookie minicamp stacked one solid practice after another, showing his ability to get open in the middle of defenses and in the red zone.
Hoping to continue the trend when the team reported for mandatory minicamp in June, the 55th overall pick in the 2015Â NFL draft suffered a setback when he tweaked his hamstring on the first day of practice.
Over the course of the first few days of training camp, Williams looked slow and at times sloppy with his routes. Often the ball would beat him to his spot designation, forcing Williams to rely on his size (6-4, 245 pounds) to make plays. The big guy does exhibit strong hands and catches the ball well in traffic.
On Monday, during the Ravens practice session in the friendly confines of M&T Bank Stadium, Williams turned in his best practice of camp thus far.
“I take it day by day,” said the rookie when asked whether or not things were starting to sink in more an more each day. “It was a good day but yesterday wasn’t my best. I am going to try and stack this day and get my legs back under me and try to work out things I need to do well.”
Perhaps it was the enviorment of those fans in attendance that spraked the solid practice from Williams. After all some players just aren’t “practice guys” and yet shine when in the spotlight.
While Wiliams shined in positional drills, his best work came during full 11-on-11 reps.
The rookie had an impressive touchdown catch against linebacker Arthur Brown, but the youngster needs to understand his blocking assignments better when it comes to supporting both the running and passing games. Running back Buck Allen’s catch and run for a touchdown was negated by a holding call on Williams.
The Ravens’ tight end situation is a unique one as the team steers towards Week 1 against the Broncos. With the uncertainty (highly doubtful) of Dennis Pitta returning in time, second-year player Crockett Gillmore, Williams and fellow rookie Nick Boyle form the tight end corps.
Williams will see his fair share of action this season much like Gillmore did in his rookie year, and he strongly values his predecessors’Â input on what to expect.
“The thing with Crockett and Dennis is they’ve been here and know it,” replied Williams about the advice both tight ends are offering him. “They have all those little tips for you to get better and it’s nice having them around because if you have a question you can just go to them.
“It’s great to have that leadership around.”
For now, as the Ravens begin their second week of training camp when the pace is picked up even more, Williams knows it doesn’t get easier. Despite performing the same drills over and over again, he knows there is a purpose.
“Coach always says, ‘If you think you know it, you don’t.’ You never can study too much,” said Williams.
“It’s a never ending process to stay on top of things because things change; you play different teams so things change, so it’s get in your books, study and stay on top of things.”
Wise words.
Here’s hoping Mad Maxx continues to turn it up over the next few weeks.
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