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2015 Baltimore Ravens Depth Chart Projections: Wide Receiver

By Brett Foote

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Oct 25, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; UCF Knights wide receiver Breshad Perriman (11) celebrates after a 50-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter against the Temple Owls at Bright House Networks Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

Wide receiver always seems to be a position in flux for the Baltimore Ravens, year after year.  This is an organization that has always done a fine job of unearthing talent at virtually every position, yet is always in search of receivers.  They don’t exactly have a fantastic track record of doing so, though they have had enough to get the job done in the past.

After letting Torrey Smith walk in free agency following his occupancy of the top spot on the depth chart for the last four seasons, the Ravens were always a good bet to spend a decent draft pick on a receiver this spring. And they did just that, using the 26th pick in the draft to claim Central Florida’s Breshad Perriman, an athlete unlike any other they have ever had at the position.

The Ravens also used their sixth round pick on a wide receiver, Georgia Tech’s Darren Waller.  Waller is a massive target at 6’6″ and 238 pounds, but is rather raw. The Ravens have assembled a large group of young receiver talent, completely ignoring the free agent market this offseason.  Of course that may change, but it’s unlikely at this point.

So as of now, the Ravens have added Perriman and Waller, along with undrafted free agent Deandre Carter, to carryovers Steve Smith, Marlon Brown, Michael Campanaro, Kamar Aiken, and Jeremy Butler.  They also added former Redskin Aldrick Robinson back in January, giving them nine total receivers on the current roster.

Steve Smith obviously isn’t going anywhere, and projects to play a role similar to last season, perhaps albeit slightly reduced.  The Ravens have already said that Perriman will slot right in at Torrey Smith’s vacated “X” receiver spot, and he is extremely likely to start aside from a total offseason face plant. Michael Campanaro figures to get a long look in the slot if he can stay healthy.

The Ravens seem to like Aiken a lot, and he was a productive red zone weapon in spots last season.  The same goes for Marlon Brown, who saw a big reduction in playing time but figures to stick around. Jeremy Butler is a wild card after spending much of last season on injured reserve, but the Ravens kept last year’s UDFA around after an impressive 2014 preseason.

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Last season’s roster cuts at wide receiver were tough for the Ravens, and I don’t think this year will be any different.  They rarely cut draft picks, especially in their first year. This season, like last, they will probably go into the year with seven receivers on the roster.  Which means that two of the above will be headed to the practice squad or the free agent market.

So while a lot can happen in the next few months, here’s my best guess at the 2015 Baltimore Ravens depth chart for wide receiver:

X  – Breshad Perriman, Kamar Aiken, Marlon Brown, Darren Waller

Y   – Steve Smith, Michael Campanaro, Deandre Carter/Aldrick Robinson

I admit, it’s a tough call between Carter and Robinson.  Both have great speed and steady hands, and either projects as a decent #3 in the slot.  It’s also quite possible that the Ravens lose faith in Brown and keep Butler instead if he has a strong offseason.  There are a lot of moving parts here, especially if injuries rear their ugly head.

We’ll have to see just how things pan out as these guys go to battle for not only the right to catch passes from Joe Flacco, but the right to be a Raven.  Just like last offseason, this competition promises to be a good one.

Next: Is Breshad Perriman an Upgrade on Torrey Smith?

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