D.K. Metcalf’s sensational combine should excite the Ravens

Wide receiver has again been identified as an area of need for the Baltimore Ravens. Here’s why Ole Miss wide receiver D.K. Metcalf could be the answer:

On Saturday March 2nd, former Ole Miss Rebel D.K. Metcalf lit up the 2019 NFL Combine. His 4.33 second 40-yard dash and 27 reps at the bench press got the attention of may scouts in Indianapolis, while footage from his explosive workout went viral.

NFL scouts were more than impressed, with his 6.33 prospect grade (via NFL.com) leading all wide receivers heading into this year’s draft. He is equipped to become an instant starter, and would be a great weapon for Lamar Jackson heading into his first full season as Baltimore’s starting quarterback.

Of those scouts watching, surely new General Manager Eric DeCosta will be intrigued by  the most exciting wide receiver in this year’s draft class. It’s no secret that the position has been a weakness in recent years, despite former general manager Ozzie Newsome’s attempts to upgrade at the position in last year’s off-season. 2018 free agent signings John Brown and Willie Snead showed some promise, but Brown departed for Buffalo during 2019’s Free Agency period. Despite signing a $21 million contract over three seasons, Michael Crabtree was cut recently after leading the team in drops in 2018.

Currently the Ravens have only four wide receivers on the active roster: Chris Moore, Willie Snead, Jaleel Scott and Jordan Lasley. The latter two – both taken in the 2018 NFL draft – did not feature in last year’s campaign, despite being selected in the fourth and fifth rounds respectively. Moore and Snead are solid options, but the roster is devoid of a true number one receiver. D.K. Metcalf’s arrival would absolutely change that.

The Ravens, as a franchise, have had little success in drafting wide receivers, such as Breshad Perriman 26th overall in a 2015 draft.  But from his electrifying play at Ole Miss, and phenomenal showing at the 2019 NFL Combine, Metcalf appears to be a solid pick.

A freak of nature at wide receiver:

There’s no denying that during the two months he was healthy in 2018, D.K. Metcalf was a beast for Ole Miss. Through eight games, Metcalf hauled in 26 receptions for 569-yards and five touchdowns. His average of over 20-yards per catch (21.9) is outstanding.

Metcalf has been limited by injuries during his college career, but his production while healthy is difficult to ignore. Effective both as a deep threat and across open field, Metcalf is a tough receiver capable of dominating at the highest level. And at 6’3″, 228-lbs., his size makes him a formidable asset for any team that drafts him.

D.K. Metcalf routinely made spectacular catches for the Rebels, and seems ready to take his skill-set to the next level. His display at the 2019 NFL Combine and college production surely prove that he would be a solid option for the Ravens, with potential to become a transcendent type of player.

A new weapon for “Action Jackson” would give the second-year quarterback someone to work with both as a reliable option over the middle, and as a deep threat with a large catch radius and great play-making ability. And furthermore, an improved receiving core heading into 2019 would increase Baltimore’s chances of retaining the AFC North.