Aug 29, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver and first round draft pick Breshad Perriman (18) prior to the game against the Washington Redskins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
The Ravens used a first round draft pick on wide receiver Breshad Perriman with the thought that he could come in and make a meaningful first year contribution, hopefully developing into a star with time. At the very least, they hoped he could fill the deep threat void left by the departure of Torrey Smith.
But, as they say, things aren’t exactly going according to plan. Rookies, particularly rookie wide receivers, need offseason reps to get them up to speed. Perriman came into the NFL from a small school and with relatively raw traits. A full offseason would undoubtedly have helped him tremendously.
That isn’t to say that Perriman can’t make an impact in 2015, but his absence will make it more difficult and unlikely. As Dev Panchwagh at Russell Street Report points out, two rookie wide receivers have done so in recent history – Odell Beckham Jr. and Martavis Bryant.
Beckham is a tough comparison to anybody, because he far exceeded the expectations anyone had of him. How often does a receiver come into the league and immediately throw themselves into the conversations debating the best receivers in the league?
Bryant, on the other hand, is more similar to Perriman. Both were/are talented but raw coming out of college, committing too many drops. Bryant came on, as Beckham did, later in the season and made an impact on the field.
I think Perriman will indeed make some sort of impact, and is still more likely than not to seize a starting job by midseason. But if you’re banking on him suddenly turning into ODB 2.0, well, you’re reaching just a bit.
Here’s the rest of the hottest Ravens news and notes floating around the web.
Buck Allen fails to impress again – Kyle Rate, Russell Street Report
Like it or not, Schaub is here to stay – Tony Lombardi, Russell Street Report
Ravens place Pitta on PUP, get roster down to 75 – Ryan Mink, BaltimoreRavens.com
Michael Campanaro rejoins wide receiver battle ahead of final preseason game – Jon Meoli, The Baltimore Sun
Hearing that besides #Seahawks, #Ravens also showed interest in Fred Jackson. Nothing from #Cowboys, #Browns or #Patriots.
— Vic Carucci (@viccarucci) September 1, 2015
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