4 Baltimore Ravens bound for a breakout season in 2017

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The Baltimore Wire’s Adrian Andrew and Jon Giles compile a list of Baltimore Ravens bold predictions, breakout players, and much more for the 2017 NFL season.

With the Baltimore Ravens schedule for the 2017 NFL regular season opening on Sep. 10, we deliver two bold predictions for the Ravens offense and defense.

The NFL is such an unpredictable sport. You never know which guys who were last years stars are going to do terrible. You also never know if guys you have never heard are going to have a breakout season and then follow the path to stardom.

One of the thrills of being a football fan is hearing about the signings or trades that get you excited for the NFL season. And, this year the Baltimore Ravens had some intriguing moves that made me excited.

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Most notably on offense signing veteran wide out Jeremy Maclin, and running back Danny Woodhead. But, the defense also made improvements signing former Dallas Cowboys defensive back Brandon Carr, while also signing strong safety Tony Jefferson, and drafting defensive back Marlon Humphrey out of Alabama.

On the contrary to this, part of what makes football so enjoyable is the thrill of rooting for the underdogs. That one player that everyone thought was going to have an underachieving season. But, then breaks out and has a wonderful year, instantly becoming a fan favorite.

So rather than focusing on the big transactions mentioned earlier, we are going to dig deeper, finding the guys who weren’t names on a blockbuster trade, or the guys who were signing a shocking deal. But rather the guys who work hard, show improvement and end up having an unexpected monster season.

So, without further ado, here is mine (Adrian Andrew) and fellow The Baltimore Wire writer, Jon Giles most probable offensive breakout player, defensive breakout player, and one special player who is destined for greatness this season.

First, we begin with predictions for the Baltimore Ravens offense.

GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 26: Tight end Nick Boyle /

Nick Boyle, TE

Adrian Andrew’s offensive bold prediction:

Nick Boyle has a very good chance of becoming the starting tight end for the Ravens this year. Considering the team let go of veteran Dennis Pitta after injuring his the third time, while another candidate for the starting tight end was Crockett Gilmore until he suffered an injury and is now out for the season.

As it stands now it looks like the Ravens will be using Boyle, Maxx Williams and Benjamin Watson mainly despite the Larry Donnell signing.

But don’t think Boyle road to a breakout season this year has been easy. Boyle sure has had his own bumps in his career. This is true as Boyle has been suspended twice for Performance Enhancing Drugs. This has cut down his playing time and chances.

Boyle has made the most of his chances bringing in 29 receptions for 197 yards and a catch rate of 83 percent. This year looks to be a full season for Boyle and I am a firm believer that Boyle will step it up and easily take the starting job. He has a good size for a tight end along with good hands and has shown glimpses of being a great tight end.

Boyle is also a firm believer in himself as according to ESPN Boyle said this when talking about presuming a starter role.

"I think I can do it all, I think I can do all those things — blocking, catching the ball. Whatever they ask you to do, that is kind of what you want to go do. Whether it is blocking every time you are in there or run 100 routes, whatever they tell you to do, you come in and just go with it."

I think Nick Boyle can become the number one tight end for the Ravens and have at least 500+ yards while hitting pay dirt at least 5 times.

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