Baltimore Ravens 2020 season outlook: Devin Duvernay

The Baltimore Ravens are all-in offensively and made a commitment to their receiving core this offseason. Rookie Devin Duvernay could be in for a big 2020.

There’s some serious reason to be excited about the Baltimore Ravens wide receiving core headed into 2020. Marquise Brown is fully healthy with a year under his belt. He looks to be a star in the making. Behind him are some great role players like Willie Snead and Miles Boykin, followed by promising rookies Devin Duvernay and James Proche. Of the two rookies, Duvernay is the most intriguing of the bunch.

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Duvernay is a blazing fast slot-receiver with great hands who figures to be an important fixture in the Ravens passing attack this year. Duvernay was ultra-productive during his stint with the Longhorns, particularly in his senior season when he caught 106 passes for nearly 1,400-yards and nine touchdowns. The draft process was kind to Duvernay as well, as the 22-year old wowed at the Senior Bowl and had a good NFL Combine performance. Baltimore used a third-round selection on him, painting a picture of how much they like this kid.

Still, we must temper our expectations for him in year one. But what should we fairly expect?

Devin Duvernay is explosive, first and foremost. His sub-4.4 40-yard dash time and tape show some unreal straight-line speed with nasty acceleration to pull away when the ball is in his hands. In a crafty Ravens offense, this plays well to his strengths.

Duvernay also has really good hands, rarely dropping passes thrown his way. This stability will gain him favor with Lamar Jackson early on, as dependability is one of the best traits to have. When he’s given the opportunity, Duvernay could shine.

It is important to remember, however, that Duvernay is likely the fourth receiver on the depth chart currently. Duvernay may also be limited to slot duties due to his smaller stature. This places Duvernay is a very reserved role that will make it difficult to see the field consistently.

But again, the one thing Devin Duvernay has going for him is good hands and great speed. That will be enough for him to make splash plays all year long and get him in the minds of Ravens Flock.

Yes, it is very easy to get excited over Devin Duvernay’s potential, but please, please, PLEASE remember that he’s just a rookie in a deep and loaded offense. We shouldn’t expect him to come out and put up big-time numbers in a reduced role. I still believe in Duvernay to make an immediate impact, just not in some out-of-this-world way. But hey, I’m always fine with being wrong!

Devin Duvernay projected 2020 stats: 30 receptions, 400-yards, two touchdowns