2018 Baltimore Ravens: 5 potential X-factors

1. Willie Snead

Willie Snead was a very productive player for the New Orleans Saints in 2016 but everything went wrong last year. Snead has become the most interesting variable in the Ravens offense. He wasn’t the Ravens first choice. Baltimore eagerly attacked other targets on the market, including Dez Bryant. If the Ryan Grant deal went through, Snead wouldn’t be in Baltimore. Snead surely came at a great price, and he could prove to be the biggest X-Factor on the team.

Snead is sneaky good when it comes to route running. Joe Flacco’s life got a little easier when Snead inked a contract with the purple and black. Snead is what the Ravens have been searching for. Ozzie Newsome was hoping that players like Marlon Brown, Michael Campanaro and Keenan Reynolds would develop into slot receivers who could shake coverage in the middle of the field. Snead could be the sneaky weapon for the Ravens, their version of Julian Edelman. Defenses know they have to stop Collins, Crabtree and the tight ends. Snead could come in there as the player they just can’t deal with.

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The Ravens need Snead to catch 60 passes or more this season. When you look at the potential of this move, it’s hard not to be excited. Any other year would have seen Snead as a much more high-priced option. The Ravens got him when he needed a team to rebound with. If Snead makes that comeback, he’s a star. Look for Snead to be making plays left and right, which will make a huge difference for the Ravens.