BmoreB22 asks: Are you as excited as I am to see Proche return punts? Man, this is what we’ve lacking for quite some time.
Answer: The answer is a resounding yes. The Ravens need to try to find somebody better than De’Anthony Thomas at punt returner. Thomas will do the trick if that doesn’t happen. Hopefully Proche can bring a little excitement in that fashion. Baltimore has to at least give him a shot at the starting job.
@KevinTopper92 asks: What undrafted free agent is most likely to make the roster and why?
Answer: Give me Jacob Breeland, the tight end out of Oregon. There are two reasons. First, when the Ravens traded away Hayden Hurst it created an opening at the tight end position. Secondly, Breeland is an interesting receiving option at the tight end position. He could replace some of Hurst’s production for a team that loves having three good tight ends.
@briski715 asks: On paper the team looks talented and well rounded however I’ve never seen a team go all the way with such a young WR base. Do you feel they need for some veteran presence besides Snead?
Answer: The Ravens like being the first team to do something don’t they? The wide receiver position is however a real area of concern since rookie wide receivers don’t always produce. I would argue though, that the Ravens are set at wide receiver. You know going into camp that you’re going to want six on the roster. Marquise Brown, Willie Snead, Miles Boykin were your base three going into the offseason. Chris Moore stays because of special teams and that puts you at four. Duvernay and Proche get you to six.
We also have to remember that the Ravens have an elite weapon in Mark Andrews. Sure, he’s a tight end, but he’s the rock of the passing attack. Duvernay, Proche or Boykin has to step up and be the clear number two to Brown. If the Ravens get into camp and realize that’s not going to happen, that’s where you’ll see them add a veteran receiver. I don’t think that’s going to happen so I don’t think they need to add another receiver.
@XaiverDeangelo asks: Do you think James Proche would be a steal if he gets better with his route running ability? Almost have the same draft profile as AB and both were selected in 6th round.
In terms of measurables, you are right that Proche and Antonio Brown have some commonality. Proche also has a chance to be a steal because he is a sure handed receiver that can go up and make incredible catches. Proche’s ceiling is being an Antonio Brown like player who is hopefully much more grounded in reality. He has some work to do and route running as you mentioned is one of the things he must get better at. He may or may not end up being an Antonio Brown level play-maker in a few years, but he should easily exceed his draft position.
I really want to thank everybody who chipped in a question. I always want to make Ebony Bird your one stop for everything Ravens related. Lamar Jackson is the Ravens’ MVP but our readers are our MVP every day of the week.