Ravens draft options: Terrace Marshall Jr. would make flashy pick
The 2021 NFL Draft is coming in just a couple of weeks. That means it’s time to start talking about the Baltimore Ravens and their pursuit of a wide receiver prospect. Today the spotlight is on Terrace Marshall Jr. out of LSU. Marshall Jr. is a dangerous receiver in the open field, with some shake and bake and a high average for yards per catch.
After what Justin Jefferson did in his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings, wide receiver prospects from the blue blood SEC school should have your attention more than ever. Marshall Jr. is just one of two potential first-round receivers for LSU this year; his teammate Ja’Marr Chase should be off the board in the first 10 picks.
Marshall Jr. is a popular mock draft pick for the Ravens, something Clifton Brown points out in his article for BaltimoreRavens.com. In the article, Brown quotes four pundits who selected Marshall Jr. for the Ravens in their mock drafts. Marshall Jr. is a name every Ravens fan should be keying in on it looks like.
Marshall Jr. looks the part. He’s got a big frame. Marshall has a good amount of toughness and that pops out when you watch the tape. He’s not Anquan Boldin, but he’ll win his fair share of fights for the football.
Marshall Jr. isn’t a perfect prospect as he’ll have some drops and sometimes he runs sloppy routes. He makes enough big plays that you’ll almost forget about these occasional shortcomings with his game. His game is built on the fact that he’s one of the most explosive athletes on the field.
The idea of pairing Marshall Jr. with Marquise Brown is very appealing. The LSU prospect wouldn’t have the same kind of speed as Brown, though he’s a player who can burn defensive backs similarly. Marshall Jr. looks very much like a young Sammy Watkins. If the Baltimore Ravens took Marshall Jr. they could eventually see him become a better version of what Watkins was in his best years.
Now let’s talk numbers. We’re talking about a receiver who averaged 15 yards per reception in his collegiate career. In 2019, he had 46 receptions for 671 yards and 13 touchdowns. Marshall Jr. followed that up with 48 grabs for 731 yards and 10 touchdowns in five fewer games. Can you say, playmaker?
By signing Watkins, the Ravens gave themselves the luxury of not needing to draft a receiver to start their 2021 draft class. Marshall Jr. would be a flashy pick. He is the most realistic receiver selection the Ravens could make with the 27th pick. Rashod Bateman should be gone by the time the Ravens are on the clock.
A crowded receiver group could be what gives Baltimore the chance to get their star receiver in the first round. With Devonta Smith, Ja’Marr Chase, Jaylon Waddle, and Rashod Bateman all essentially locks in the top 25 picks Marshall Jr. looks like the only player the Ravens could really hope for.
The Bottom Line:
When it comes to receivers in the NFL Draft, the Ravens fanbase is always in a position of wanting. There is a reason this receiver class is so coveted. The idea that Marshall is the most realistic receiving option for the Ravens at 27 and he’s this solid of a prospect is an exciting one for a receiver starving fan base.
Next. NFL Draft: First-round options for the Ravens. dark
If you’re a Ravens fan on the TMJ to Baltimore train, it’s hard to argue with you. This would be a flashy first-round pick that would send a statement.