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Ravens: Projecting Every Starter And The Next Man Up

By Chris Schisler

Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Crockett Gillmore (80) celebrates with Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) and Ravens guard Marshal Yanda (73) after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Crockett Gillmore (80) celebrates with Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) and Ravens guard Marshal Yanda (73) after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr (89) runs the ball after catching a pass in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Ravens 26-18. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr (89) runs the ball after catching a pass in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Ravens 26-18. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receivers:

1. Steve Smith Sr.: He is a 37-year-old receiver recovering from a brutal injury from last season. It looked like the end of his career. For anyone else in his situation it probably would have been. But “Agent 89” is one of a kind. He is chasing his 1,000th career reception; he will not end his career on the bitter note of 2015.

If Smith Sr. is able to go, he will play great football. The Ravens aren’t going to be shy about getting him the football. In less than two full seasons, Smith Sr. has developed a special connection with Flacco. Flacco trusts Smith Sr. to come up with big plays, and Smith Sr. delivers. The Ravens have more talent in the receiving corps in 2016. Make no doubt about it, Smith Sr. is still the go-to-guy.

2. Kamar Aiken: Aiken is a young receiver who got the chance to launch his career amidst the rubble of the Ravens losing season. It’s hard to think of a receiver whose production so dramatically improved. Before the 2015 season, Aiken had just 24 receptions to his name. Last season he caught 75 passes for 944 yards and five touchdowns. When Smith Sr. was lost for the season, Aiken became the number one target. He was forced into the role, but he proved himself.

Next: Tight Ends

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