The (possible) New Receiver Is….

Mr. Andrew Russell Bennett.  Four sets of double letters, how peculiar.

Besides my trivial observation, Drew Bennett is likely to become the next Ravens receiver after Derrick Mason announced his retirement last week.  Harbaugh has been speaking to Mason about returning, but in the wake of his declaration, the team tried out four receivers today, with Bennett and D.J. Hackett the only two that had significant NFL pass-catching experience.  Former Detroit Lion receiver Chris Hannon and undrafted rookie free agent Justin Brown from Hampton also worked out with Bennett and Hackett, although Bennett was the only wideout to stay and complete a physical.  Joe Horn was not among the hopefuls, but it has been confirmed by several sources and media outlets that Horn was contacted by Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome.

Bennett will most likely duel with Demetrius Williams, Marcus Smith and Kelley Washington (and possibly others who may be dark horses) for a shot at getting on the field consistently and being Joe Flacco’s main slot option.  Of course, those who bleed purple and black are hoping that he might somehow return to his 2004 form, a season where he managed 80 receptions, over 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns.  With the St. Louis Rams last season, Bennett was injured for 15 games of the season after “[catching his toe] in a strange on the ground.”  Regarding his health, the UCLA graduate says:

"“I feel good, I feel healthy, I feel strong, all the corny stuff you’re supposed to say when you have a workout,”  “But I feel like I’m in good shape, and it went well. I caught the ball well, I feel comfortable. I like the people that I met here. So we’ll see what happens.”"

Nothing has been officially finalized, but it seems fairly certain that Bennett will sign in the coming days, after all, he is taking a physical, the first indicator of a contract agreement.  No one knows what will happen, and how well he will produce, so let’s just keep our fingers crossed about our great friend Mr. Mason.