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Baltimore Ravens: Why They Must Address WR In Free Agency

By Chris Schisler

Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) runs with the ball as New York Giants linebacker Devon Kennard (59) attempts the tackle in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Giants won 19-10. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) runs with the ball as New York Giants linebacker Devon Kennard (59) attempts the tackle in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Giants won 19-10. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Baltimore Ravens need a wide receiver like a fish needs water. Without a number one target for the Ravens, the offense will have a glaring weak spot.

When you look at the Baltimore Ravens weaknesses, few stand out as badly as the wide receiver position. The Ravens best receiver is now using his gift of gab for NFL Network. This leaves the Ravens in a bad situation. When Mike Wallace is your best receiver and the year is 2017 and not 2011, you have a problem. When Breshad Perriman is your next best option, your offense is lacking a dependable option at the wide receiver position. The Ravens cannot wait until the draft to fix their problems in the passing game. They must find a free agent or two at the position.

The strength of the NFL Draft is the cornerback position. I’ve been looking at a ton of prospects in the draft and I love this cornerback crop. With the 16th pick there are literally three or four corners that Ozzie Newsome could justify drafting. Marlon Humphrey has become one of my favorite prospects in this draft, but if he’s off the board, there are plenty of cornerbacks the Ravens could still target. That is a need for the Ravens.

The second biggest strength of the NFL Draft is at the pass rushing positions. If Taco Charlton is on the board at 16, it will be hard to pass him up. Charles Harris is another player that I think has a world of potential as an edge rusher.

Related Story: Baltimore Ravens Should Target Pierre Garcon In Free Agency

The Ravens are invested in Flacco no matter what, that’s just how the contract works out. They have to get him somebody to throw the football. However I don’t want them to spend the first round pick on a wide receiver. Corey Davis and Mike Williams will be gone. I think 16 is a little too high for slot receiver types like John Ross and Zay Jones. I like these players, I just don’t really value you them at that spot in the draft. Plus, the Ravens need a guy who can come in and be a number one receiver. Neither Jones or Ross would do that. The best option for the Ravens is to sign a veteran receiver or two that you can depend on.

Who Should The Ravens Look To Sign?

Don’t look for the Ravens to sign Alshon Jefferey. It’s too much money. If the Ravens were going to make a big splash, it would probably be Brandon Marshall (if he is released by the Jets). The most practical solution is something I have been saying all offseason, Pierre Garcon. Garcon won’t be cheap but he is certainly affordable. He is a 30 year old wide receiver who is still very productive. The Ravens could pair him with another free agent wide receiver as well. Brandon Lafell or Michael Floyd could be doable in addition to Garcon. The Ravens don’t just need one receiver. They need to build their receiver group back up.

Next: Ranking The Ravens Top 10 Free Agency Options

Garcon would be a possession receiver that Flacco could lean on. He had 79 receptions for over 1,000 yards last year. It won’t be the game changer that we want. Jefferey or Marshall would be more exciting. That being said, Garcon would give the Ravens something at a position they have next to nothing at. Garcon, Wallace and Perriman is a workable trio. Garcon would effectively replace Steve Smith. Like I said, the Ravens need more than one wide receiver. If they don’t add at least one receiver in free agency, they will probably regret it.

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