Baltimore Ravens Must Be Patient With Keenan Reynolds

Dec 12, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Navy Midshipmen quarterback Keenan Reynolds (19) runs during the first quarter against the Army Black Knights at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Navy Midshipmen quarterback Keenan Reynolds (19) runs during the first quarter against the Army Black Knights at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens must see the big picture in the development of Keenan Reynolds. Here’s why:

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It is not often that a College Football superstar gets drafted in the sixth round, changes positions and is instantly a fan favorite. Keenan Reynolds is not a normal sixth round pick, and the Ravens must be patient with him.

Reynolds was one of the greatest football players ever to play at the Naval Academy, in Annapolis. He was the quarterback in their dated offense. Reynolds spent most of his career running the option. While he scored more touchdowns than anyone in College Football, he has an uphill battle with the Ravens.

Reynolds steps into a completely different offense. He is off the charts intelligent, so it should not go roughly. It is however so important to note the difference between modern NFL offense and what Navy does. It’s like a math teacher being asked to teach English. Reynolds may be perfectly capable of picking up the offense but it is a huge adjustment.

Reynolds is also changing positions. The Ravens have Reynolds pegged as a wide receiver. They will line him up in the slot and hope he can be a Wes Welker or a Julian Edelman type player. Reynolds not only has to learn about the offense, but how to run routes in the offense.

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The Ravens have a lot of competition at the wide receiver spot. Steve Smith Sr., Kamar Aiken and Mike Wallace are the top three guys. Breshad Perriman could crack his way into the equation as well. Chris Moore was this years fourth round pick. Michael Campanaro already fills the role Reynolds would fill.

Reynolds may have to prove himself on special teams before becoming part of the offense. Reynolds figures to be a sensational return man. With the football in his grasp, he can make things happen.

One thing is for sure, the Ravens need to see the big picture with the former Navy QB. They need to keep him on the team and actively work on developing his craft.

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Reynolds is a player that I am betting on. If you get him the ball in the open field he has skills to make people miss. He’s tough and he is an instinctual runner. In time he will be a solid weapon, but the Ravens must be patient.

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