Ebony Bird
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Why The Baltimore Ravens aren’t Panicking for a Wide Receiver

By William Brittain

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There has been plenty of talk about the Baltimore Ravens wide receiver corps since the departure of Torrey Smith, and we have all had the discussion of who the team can target to fill the void. As of yet, however, there hasn’t seemed to be any panic over the position, at least from the Ravens’ brain trust.

Owner Steve Bisciotti even threw a curve ball at fans, calling tight end and pass rusher more pressing needs. While it is difficult to trust that Bisciotti would give up the master plan so openly, you cannot deny that wide receiver has not been addressed at all so far this off season. So what, exactly, is the plan?

Most experts and amateurs alike seem to agree that there is receiving talent in the draft worthy of the 26th pick, and a player like Jaelen Strong or Breshad Perrimen would certainly add a new dimension to the offense. Going off the Ravens history, though, this is unlikely to happen and defensive talent will probably be targeted early on.

If I am correct in my assumption that the draft (at least the first round) won’t produce a receiver, then what is really going on?

John Harbaugh has expressed confidence in the capabilities of Marlon Brown, Kamar Aiken and Michael Campanaro and expects them to handle a larger role next year. It is still difficult to imagine that any of these players, even in a good year, could replace Torrey Smith.

Here is where we have to stop thinking about who can replace Torrey Smith and instead start thinking about the production he brought and the defensive attention he drew. In 2014, Smith had 49 receptions for 767 yards. While these were often contested, between Brown, Aiken and Campanaro I would expect these numbers can be replaced.  Especially given Marc Trestman’s history with the spread and bunch formations as well as bubble screens that all help out receivers significantly.

While the receptions and yards don’t worry me, the things that still do are replacing the red zone production and the vertical threat that Torrey Smith represented.

Smith was the best red zone receiving target on the Ravens last year, by far, hauling in a team best 11 touchdowns. Out of the three receivers mentioned, Brown would have to be the guy you expect to step up in this area, as he has a large frame and had a good rookie year with 7 touchdowns.

Even so, I am not convinced Brown can repeat that success, and I would expect either a big bodied tight end or receiver to be brought in for this purpose. I wouldn’t expect this to happen soon though as the team will probably wait until after June 1st to see who is left on the free agent scrap heap.

Additionally, the vertical threat that Smith added to the Ravens’ offense is difficult to imagine being replaced by anyone currently on the roster. Last year Torrey had 13 20+ yard receptions compared to 3 between Brown, Aiken, and Campanaro combined.

This is a big concern as bunch formations and screens will not work without a big play threat to stretch the field. This is where I expect the draft to come into play, and I could easily see a later round speedster being brought in to add this dimension.

All in all, the point I am trying to make is that the Ravens are not panicking to get a big name, number one receiver, because they know they don’t need one. One man does not have to do it all and a balanced offense is often the hardest to stop. It might not be great for fantasy owners, but for fans it just might be.

Next: The Ravens Haven't Ruled Out Drafting Dorial Green-Beckham

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