It is very possible for the Baltimore Ravens to take a receiver in the first round this year, but they do not have a good track record drafting them.
If there is a major takeaway from the Baltimore Ravens offense last season, it was the lack of playmakers. Offensive coordinator Mart Mornhinweg tried to implement his pass happy philosophy, but it did not work out. Joe Flacco threw the ball a record number of times, but most where four to five yard outs and check-downs. They struggled to score points and finish drives because of it.
With Kamar Aiken and Steve Smith Sr. now gone, it leaves only one receiver on the roster with a 1,000 yard season to his name: Mike Wallace. The rest of the receivers are very inexperienced. With the #16 pick and some good wide receiver prospects, it would make sense for the Ravens to target a receiver right?
If the Ravens are going to draft a receiver in the first round, it needs to be a possession receiver. The two that stick out to me are Mike Williams and Corey Davis. The problem is that those two will most likely be off the board by the Ravens come up to pick. With plenty of other needs, it is not worth it to reach for another receiver. Plus, the Ravens don’t have a great track record when it comes to drafting receivers.
Taking a look at the numbers, the Ravens have a drafted 21 receivers since 1996 and only one has made the Pro Bowl. It was Jermaine Lewis, who was selected in the 1996 draft. This is not a track record to be confident in. Breshad Perriman is still a work in progress, but with his injury history there is no guarantee for his success.
It’s Not Their Forte
Because the Ravens do not draft a lot of receivers, especially in the early rounds, they rely on free agency. They do a great job at bringing in veteran wide receivers and revitalizing their careers. We have seen this happen plenty of times. Anquan Boldin and Steve Smith Sr. are the most recent examples. Both were able to come in and have productive seasons. There is a chance that Boldin could make a return back to Baltimore for the upcoming season.
Next: Breshad Perriman: 3 Reasons He Can Have Breakout 2017
Let’s be honest, when you think of the Baltimore Ravens, you think of defense. Players like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs are some of the first players to come to mind. Ozzie Newsome and the front office love to draft defensive players. They have done it 12 out of the 21 drafts in team history. The offense has had it’s years, but the defense is the cornerstone of the Raven’s franchise. It is the how they have been such a successful franchise for over 20 years. Ozzie Newsome and the front office love to draft defensive players.
The Bottom Line: Unless the Ravens can get Williams or Davis, it is best to wait to draft a receiver past the first round.