2. Marquise Brown:
Free agency and the NFL Draft haven’t happened yet, but things are looking good for Marquise Brown being the number one receiver stock. The Ravens aren’t expected to go after one of the very upper-tier free-agent targets at wide receiver. Brown probably isn’t going to see somebody come in and take over.
That being said there is almost no scenario imaginable where Brown doesn’t get a little help at wide receiver. Eric DeCosta is going to bring in a little more talent at this position and Devin Duvernay has the potential to have a big year two in Baltimore. Brown will have less pressure on him in the next season.
Less pressure could be a very good thing. Brown’s problems seemed mostly mentally created last season. Drops for example were probably the result of shaken confidence in a tough sophomore season where he had to carry a hefty amount of the passing attack. He got through his problems last season.
Whether or not you view Brown as a true number one receiver you have to admit he’s got the makings of a big-time playmaker. Brown may have worked through some things in 2020 and it may pay off in 2021. He should know deep down that he’s got the goods now.
In the postseason he had 11 receptions for nearly 200 yards. He caught the game-winning touchdown pass against the Cleveland Browns. Brown had some big moments in the 2020 season. When things are good with “Hollywood” they’re really good.
No matter who the Ravens bring in there won’t be a wide receiver that Lamar Jackson trusts more than Brown. They’ve built a chemistry that can only be rivaled with Jackson’s connection with Mark Andrews. That’s not just going to vanish into thin air and it very well could continue to build next season.