Ebony Bird
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Baltimore Ravens 2015 Season Preview and Predictions

By Brett Foote

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Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Breshad Perriman (Central Florida) poses for a photo with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number twenty-six overall pick to the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

WR Breshad Perriman (1st Round, 26th overall), TE Maxx Williams (2nd Round, 55th overall), DT Carl Davis (3rd Round, 90th overall), DE/LB Za’Darius Smith (4th Round, 122nd overall), RB Javorius Allen (4th Round, 125th overall), CB Tray Walker (4th Round, 136th overall), TE Nick Boyle (5th Round, 171st overall), OG Robert Myers (5th Round, 176th overall), WR Darren Waller (6th Round, 204th overall)

Nov 1, 2014; East Hartford, CT, USA; UCF Knights wide receiver Breshad Perriman (11) makes a reception for a touchdown against Connecticut Huskies cornerback Jhavon Williams (6) in the second half at Rentschler Field. UConn defeated UCF 37-29. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Breshad Perriman comes to Baltimore to take the place of Torrey Smith, who departed via free agency. Perriman, like Smith, is explosive, fast, and big.  He gives the Ravens a speedy deep threat that can take the top off opposing defenses, or simply open things up underneath.

The favorite for number 2 duties behind the returning Steve Smith, Perriman oozes with upside and figures to see a lot of targets in pass happy offensive coordinator Marc Trestman’s scheme.

Aug 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Maxx Williams (87) leaps over New Orleans Saints cornerback Travis Manning (26) during the fourth quater in a preseason NFL football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

Maxx Williams was widely considered to be the best tight end available in the 2015 draft, and fills a big hole on the Ravens’ roster with Dennis Pitta’s health and future in doubt.  Williams showed major upside in college as a pass catching TE and is a born playmaker.

Though rookie tight ends tend to struggle in their first season, Williams has a golden chance at a starting job with only second year TE Crockett Gillmore in front of him.  Worst case, he’s the Ravens pass catching tight end of the future.

Nov 1, 2014; Iowa City, IA, USA; Northwestern Wildcats wide receiver Miles Shuler (5) runs against Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Carl Davis (71) during the game at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

Carl Davis slid to the third round after concerns regarding an inconsistent motor, despite his first round talent.  The Ravens will work Davis into their already excellent defensive line rotation and the rich will continue to get richer.

Davis has wasted no time making an impact in offseason activities and could easily wind up as the Ravens’ steal of the draft.

Smith showed serious pass rushing chops at Kentucky with a relentless motor, and he did a good job setting the edge against the run as well.  He will likely be worked into the rotation with Courtney Upshaw as the Ravens work to fill the void left by the departure of Pernell McPhee in free agency.

Smith might be the most underrated addition to the Ravens roster this offseason, and he has already began to make noise in practice.  He might just wind up playing a bigger role in 2015 than anyone expected.

Aug 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Javorius Allen (37) carries the ball as New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Tyeler Davison (95) defends during the second quarter in a preseason NFL football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

Allen joins sophomore running back Lorenzo Taliaferro in the battle to back up returning starter Justin Forsett.  Allen brings pass catching chops and experience in a pro style offense to the battle.  He might also be viewed as the eventual successor to Forsett.

Allen wasted no time in showing potential as a runner and pass catcher this offseason, but has struggled a bit with pass protection.  He’ll have to shore up in that aspect if he hopes to see the field in 2015.

Jul 30, 2015; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Tray Walker (25) makes a catch during defensive drills on day one of training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Ravens were 100% certain to draft at least one cornerback, but they waited until the fourth round to do so.  What they get in Tray Walker is a natural playmaker who might need some time to develop after playing at small school Texas Southern.

Walker’s development has been slow going so far, but the Ravens like his talent and potential.  He might not make an impact in 2015, but his future is bright.

Aug 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Nick Boyle (82) catches a pass from quarterback Matt Schaub (8) (not pictured) infant of New Orleans Saints linebacker Henry Coley (52) during the third quarter in a preseason NFL football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Ravens continued to add to their tight end depth by taking Boyle in the fifth round.  A blocking end with pass catching chops, Boyle has been more impressive than expected in the offseason.  He might just wind up playing a bigger role than anyone initially thought.

Boyle has been perhaps the surprise of the offseason for the Ravens.  He’s done a nice job not only blocking, but catching passes as well.  The Ravens might have to find a way to get him on the field.

Aug 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; New Orleans Saints strong safety Jamarca Sanford (33) tackles Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Darren Waller (12) during the second quarter in a preseason NFL football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Waller has the size and speed of an elite number one NFL wide receiver, but is raw in regards to technique and route running.  His raw talent gives him a ton of upside, however, if he is able to pick up on pro concepts quickly.

While no one expected Waller to immediately become a pro-ready route runner, he has shown the ability to learn quickly this offseason.  Waller has routinely made plays with the second team offense throughout training camp.

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