Dec 14, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Cecil Shorts (84) runs after a catch during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
As we head into the offseason and prepare for the craziness that is NFL free agency, we thought it would be fun to take a look ahead at some players that the Ravens might be interested in pursuing. While we can all dream about seeing our favorite team signing guys like Dez Bryant or Justin Houston (both free agents this year), we’re going to be a little more realistic and only look at players that might actually hit the market and draw interest from the Ravens.
The Ravens have a pretty good group of wide receivers heading into 2015, if of course they can retain Torrey Smith. Michael Campanaro flashed this season when healthy and looks like he has a future in the slot. Steve Smith showed that he can still be effective, perhaps for at least one more season. Kamar Aiken is a solid #4/5 guy, and Marlon Brown can fill in when needed as well.
Cecil Shorts is the kind of free agent who will draw mild interest following his disappointing season and injury history. That likely means that he will find one year, “prove it” deals on the market with little guaranteed money.
Adding another guy to this group is a good idea, however, and Cecil Shorts might be a possibility for the Ravens. The Jacksonville Jaguars are not expected to try and retain Shorts after his disappointing 2013 season that saw him battle various soft tissue injuries and ineffectiveness. So why, do you ask, might the Ravens be interested in him?
For one, Shorts has flashed talent in the past, when healthy. A 4th round pick in 2011 by the Jags, Shorts racked up 979 yards receiving on 55 receptions in 2012 (for a gaudy 17.8 average) and 7 touchdowns. His numbers dropped a bit in 2013 to 66/777/3 and 53/557/1 in 2014. Shorts is a speed guy who isn’t too small at 6’0″ and 202 pounds, but relies on his speed to create separation.
In addition to hamstring woes, Shorts has battled the quarterback carousel as well. The Jaguars have started five QB’s the last four years, and all of them are at best decent backups for good teams (with the exception of Blake Bortles, who we can’t pass judgement on just yet). And the Jags haven’t had a running game since Maurice Jones-Drew peaked in 2011, which just happened to be Shorts’ rookie year.
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Cecil Shorts is the kind of free agent who will draw mild interest following his disappointing season and injury history. That likely means that he will find one year, “prove it” deals on the market with little guaranteed money. It’s a perfect scenario for bargain shoppers like the Ravens, who also like to take low cost chances on guys looking to rehabilitate their value. Especially those who have higher ceilings.
Shorts is the kind of player who could really bounce back if he sustains health and plays for a team with a decent quarterback and offensive scheme. The Ravens could use his speed on offense as well, especially if they can’t resign Torrey Smith. Not to say that Shorts is a Torrey Smith replacement, but he would make a nice dice roll for an organization that loves to make them.
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