Baltimore Ravens State of the Corps: Wide Receivers

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Like the Ravens’ running backs, as mentioned in my last post, I believe the answer at wide receiver will have to come from the draft. Luckily, this year’s crop of rookies seems to carry as much promise as last year’s stellar class. Obviously Amari Cooper, Kevin White or Davante Parker would be great, but they are far too good to fall to us. So, other than them, I like Chris Conley, Breshad Perriman and Jaelen Strong. I would include Dorial Green-Beckham, but I think his history of off-field troubles will keep Ozzie from pulling the trigger and drafting DGB.

Chris Conley

Dec 30, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Chris Conley (31) catches a pass for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Louisville Cardinals of the Belk Bowl held at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Conley was a top performer in the 40 yard dash (4.35 seconds), bench press (18 reps), vertical jump (45 inches) and broad jump (11’6″) at the combine. He is an athletic freak. There are plenty of receivers ranked ahead of him, so we could get him after the 1st round. His route running need improvement but that can will come with reps. Conley’s athleticism is what makes him valuable at the moment, and that can’t be taught. He could be worth the wait while he develops.

Breshad Perriman

Dec 4, 2014; Greenville, NC, USA; Central Florida Knights wide receiver Breshad Perriman (11) catches the game winning touchdown pass against East Carolina Pirates linebacker Dayon Pratt (1) and defensive back Domonique Lennon (31) during the 4th quarter at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. The Central Florida Knights defeated the East Carolina Pirates 32-30. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Frustratingly, a hamstring strain kept Perriman from participating at the combine. However, he is still considered one of the best prospects at wideout. The only thing keeping him from the top tier is his inconsistent hands, as Perriman dropped 7 of 54 catchable balls (12.96%) according to Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus. Though his big play ability more than often made up for his drops, he needs to work on his hands before he’s considered near the top of this class.

Jaelen Strong

Nov 8, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jaelen Strong (21) catches a second quarter touchdown pass against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Jaelen Strong is the securely ranked in the top 4 wide receivers of this year’s draft. He’s big (6’2″, 217 lbs), he’s fast (4.44 second 40-yard dash) and he has springs for legs (42 inch vertical jump). He kind of reminds me of A.J. Green, he’s a little shorter but also a little bigger and faster, though the way he plays is quite similar. I just think he looks smooth, which can be attributed to his background in basketball. Unfortunately, I think Strong will be taken before the Ravens get the opportunity to draft him.

Next: 2015 NFL Mock Draft: Melvin Gordon Joins the Baltimore Ravens

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