For the Baltimore Ravens, losing Anquan Boldin was rough. But for Dennis Pitta and fantasy football owners, it comes as quite the blessing in disguise.

Pitta enjoyed his most productive season to date in his third NFL campaign in 2012. The dominant tight end at BYU became the Ravens third-leading receiver after posting modest totals of 405 yards and three touchdowns in 2011.

He hauled in 67.8 percent of the passes thrown his way and committed just three drops the entire season. That was the fewest among NFL tight ends who were the recipients of at least 85 targets. Compare that with Rob Gronkowski’s seven, Jason Witten’s eight and Jimmy Graham’s league-high 15 drops.

The Ravens realized early on what they had and placed Pitta above Ed Dickson on the depth chart. No. 88 certainly did everything he could to repay in kind.

Fantasy enthusiasts who had the foresight in drafting Pitta were rewarded with 108.90 points and the respect that comes with owning the No. 7 ranked tight end. After all, this was a TE that garnered an ADP in the mid-30’s.

Now with Boldin gone, Pitta becomes the go-to target both underneath and in the red zone for Joe Flacco. He fills a great complementary role alongside wideouts Torrey Smith and Jacoby Jones, receivers who use their speed to exploit defenses downfield and outside the numbers.

Indeed, the big-play threats will do just that—make the big play—while Pitta will lead the Ravens in total catches. In fantasy terms, such production will translate into a No. 6 ranking and sure-fire TE1 option.

Regarding team philosophy, the do-it-all extraordinaire Ray Rice will still operate as a primary focal point on offense. Bank on him accumulating his 300-plus touches—including 50 as a pass-catcher out of the backfield—and double-digit touchdowns.

But that occurred last season and had little effect on Pitta’s involvement on offensive play calling. The man will get his touches.

So, let opponents draft the Graham’s, Gronkowski’s and Witten’s of the world early on, while patiently waiting for a high-upside, high-value Pitta in later rounds. He’ll do nothing but bring maximum return on your fantasy investment.

Projected Statistics: 70 receptions, 780 yards, eight touchdowns

Follow me on Twitter @jlevitt16