Throughout the history of the Baltimore Ravens, the wide receiver position has been one of the biggest positions that they just can’t figure out.
It’s pretty fascinating to see how many other NFL franchises draft and develop talented Wide Receivers every year, but the Baltimore Ravens haven’t been able to figure that out. The Ravens can draft and develop Pro Bowlers, but not one has been a receiver.
I can name only a handful of receivers that had any type of success in a Baltimore Ravens uniform and they are Michael Jackson, Derek Mason, Anquan Boldin, and Torrey Smith. Jackson, Mason, and Boldin weren’t drafted and developed by the Ravens. They either came here via free agency, a trade, or Cleveland’s football team leaving town.
What could possibly be the issue with the Ravens franchise and drafting and developing Receivers? Is it the coaching staff? Is it that the scouts don’t really know about top-tier receiving talent?
You would think that if that position has been a problem since 1996, you would do whatever you could to replace certain coaches and staff members to try to find a fix. The Ravens hired two new members of the offensive staff this offseason so maybe the wide receiver position will be better in 2021?
Let’s just hope that Keith Williams, the new Pass Game Specialist, and Tee Martin, the new Wide Receivers Coach can make an impact on Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Miles Boykin, James Proche, and Devin Duvernay.
If both Williams and Martin can improve the wide receiver position in Baltimore, then maybe free agents will want to come to the Ravens after all. It’s pretty sad when free agent Sammy Watkins comes in for a visit and leaves without a deal. Normally when free agents visit the state-of-the-art facility in Baltimore, they don’t leave without signing a contract.
Either it has to do with money or the realization that they might not be targeted a certain amount of times per game due to the way the offense is structured. Yes, this is Lamar Jackson‘s offense, but once you get some talent outside, it will help the team tremendously.
The Bottom Line:
I’m sure not that many Baltimore Raven fans would ever admit to being jealous of the Pittsburgh Steelers, but I know I am. Each and every season, they draft talented wideouts no matter what round, most of the wideouts hit. The Steelers seem to be doing the right thing with their scouting department and coaching staff.
If Keith Williams and Tee Martin are difference makers on the offensive coaching staff and the Ravens wideouts improve this season, then I will be very happy for the future of the receiver position for years to come. If nothing changes, Baltimore will forever be wide receiver kryptonite. No free agent will ever want to be part of an offense that diminishes their talent and productivity on the field. That will have a lasting impact on the franchise for a long time.