MASNsports.com is your online home for the latest Orioles and Nationals news, features, and commentary. And now, you can connect with MASN on every digital level. From web and social media to our new mobile alert service, MASN has got all the bases covered.
Get the latest breaking news direct to your phone with our mobile texting service.
Rookie Ed Dickson has the potential to be the Ravens' tight end of the future.
The third-round pick's athleticism can't be questioned - the kid has great speed, impressive hands, and has the ability to really stretch the field down the seams.
But Dickson says if asked, he wouldn't be against moving to a new position for the good of the team.
"I come in with my eyes open wherever they want me to play," Dickson said. "[If] coach comes to me tomorrow and says, 'I want you to play defense.' I'm going to say...I'm going to look at it and I'm going to say, 'If that's going to help the team win, I'm going to get out there and play defense.'
"Right now, they got me playing tight end, so I'm going to work hard and compete - compete with the other tight ends and try to win that job."
I wouldn't count on John Harbaugh moving you to the defensive side of the ball, Ed. While you will be needed to contribute on special teams, I think you're safe as a tight end for now.
One area that the Oregon product could use some work is his blocking. As one of the more explosive tight ends in the Pac-10, Dickson wasn't asked to stay on the line and protect (either on running or passing plays) nearly as much as he will be in the NFL. He will need to improve that aspect of his game throughout training camp.
That's something Dickson is OK with as well.
"I don't limit myself to only [a] passing or blocking tight end," Dickson said. "I try to work on the things that I need to work on."
It's very early, but the talent Dickson has shown on the field and the attitude he's shown off it have put the rookie in a good spot to this point.
