23. Todd Heap
Drafted 31st overall in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft out of Arizona State, Todd Heap arrived in Baltimore as the handpicked successor to Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe. Over the next decade, "Heap" became a household name in Maryland, serving as the primary passing target and fan-favorite focal point during an era defined by stellar defense and offensive retooling.
Heap was a matchup nightmare, excelling at exploiting seams and intermediate zones. With a wide catch radius and dependable hands, he often absorbed tough hits over the middle and secured contested catches in traffic. His soft hands and leaping ability made him a top red-zone threat, while his aggressive inline blocking supported Baltimore’s run-first approach with Jamal Lewis.
Following his rookie season in 2001, during which he learned behind Sharpe, Heap became a full-time starter in 2002. He quickly made an impact by catching 68 passes for 836 yards and six touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
In 2003, he improved significantly, making his second Pro Bowl and earning Second-Team All-Pro honors. Even though he played in a run-focused offense with Jamal Lewis rushing for 2,066 yards, Heap caught 57 passes for 693 yards and scored three touchdowns. He also set an NFL record by executing four two-point conversions in one season.
Although injuries affected him in 2004, Heap recovered strongly in 2005, achieving his career-best stats with 75 receptions, 855 yards, and seven touchdowns. He continued his strong performance in 2006, with a 13–3 season, catching 73 passes for 765 yards and six touchdowns, which earned him the NFL Alumni Tight End of the Year award.
Heap was a reliable presence when Joe Flacco joined in 2008, providing a dependable safety net during playoff runs to the AFC Championship and further. In his last Baltimore season in 2010, Heap recorded 40 catches for 599 yards and five touchdowns, with a career-best 15.0 yards per catch.
Heap was signed before the 2011 season as a cost-saving measure. During his time in Baltimore, he played 133 regular-season games, amassing 467 receptions, 5,492 receiving yards, and 41 touchdowns. At his departure, he was the franchise's all-time leader in touchdown catches. In 2014, the Ravens honored him by inducting Heap into their Ring of Honor, recognizing his strong bond with fans and significant impact on the team.
The 2018 Football Futures have been updated
We already had the Football Futures from 2016, 2017 and 2018 up, and recently we have updated our 2017 Football Futures Section.
Next, of course will be the following year as we are updating the 2018 Football Futures Section.
First, here are the 2018 Football Future candidates who had already been uploaded:
Antoine Winfield, a Cornerback who made three Pro Bowls with the Minnesota Vikings.
Brian Urlacher, a Linebacker synonymous with the Chicago Bears and was a four time First Team All Pro Selection.
James Farrior, a Linebacker who won two Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers and went to two Pro Bowls.
Jason Hanson, a Place Kicker who retired third all time in scoring.
Jeff Saturday, a Center who was a six time Pro Bowler and leader of the Offensive Line that took the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl win.
Keith Brooking, a Linebacker who was a five time Pro Bowl Selection.
Matt Birk, a Center who went to six Pro Bowls and helped the Baltimore Ravens win the Super Bowl.
Michael Turner, a Running Back who went to two Pro Bowls and was a one time First Team All Pro.
Ray Lewis, a Linebacker who was a two time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, a six time First Team All Pro Selection and a two time Super Bowl Champion with the Baltimore Ravens.
Randy Moss, a Wide Receiver who led the NFL in Receiving Touchdowns and was a four time First Team All Pro Selection.
Richard Seymour, a Defensive Tackle/End who won three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and was chosen for three First Team All Pro squads.
Ronde Barber, a Cornerback who went to five Pro Bowls and helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win a Super Bowl.
Shawn Merriman, a Linebacker who went to three Pro Bowls and was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Steve Hutchinson, an Offensive Lineman who was a seven time Pro Bowler and two time NFL Alumni Offensive Lineman of the Year.
Takeo Spikes, a Linebacker with over 1,400 career tackles and a two time Pro Bowl Selection.
Here are the new additions to the 2018 Football Future Candidates:
Bart Scott, a Linebacker who was once a one time Pro Bowler.
Brandon Moore, an Offensive Tackle with one Pro Bowl Selection.
Braylon Edwards, a Wide Receiver who went to one Pro Bowl.
Brendon Ayanbadejo, a Linebacker who went to three Pro Bowls and won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens.
Brian Jennings, a Long Snapper who went to a Pro Bowl in 2004.
Casey Hampton, a Nose Tackle who went to five Pro Bowls and won two Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Chris Cooley, a Tight End who spent his entire career with the Washington Redskins earning two Pro Bowls.
Chris Hope, a Safety who went to one Pro Bowl and won a Super Bowl with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Donald Driver, a Wide Receiver who went to four Pro Bowls and helped the Green Bay Packers win a Super Bowl.
Jamaal Brown, an Offensive Tackle who went to two Pro Bowls and earned a First Team All Pro spot.
Kyle Vanden Bosch, a Defensive End who went to three Bowls.
Leonard Davis, an Offensive Lineman who made it to three Pro Bowls.
Marcus Trufant, a Cornerback who spent most of his time with the Seattle Seahawks and went to the Pro Bowl once.
Nate Clements, a Cornerback who went to one Pro Bowl.
Nate Kaeding, a Place Kicker who was chosen for two Pro Bowls.
Todd Heap, a Tight End who went to two Pro Bowls and was once named the NFL Alumni Tight End of the Year.
We will be continuing our work on the football futures and you will be seeing that shortly. In the meantime we are hopeful that we will receive your input and votes on this batch of future eligible football players.
