Whether or not Lamar Jackson is the quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens for the 2023 season, it is clear the team is ready to take this offense to the next level.
Just a week ago, the organization signed free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to a 1-year contract, making arguably the biggest move of their offseason thus far. Beckham hasn't played since he tore his ACL in the Super Bowl a little over a year ago, but is ready to get back on the field now.
Some people thought the Beckham signing will lead to Jackson returning to the team and playing out the season on the tag, but no movement has seemed to happen just yet. Additionally, there haven't been any other teams too interested in paying Jackson the $230 million guaranteed that he's seeking.
So, the Ravens are apparently planning for Jackson to be under center for them soon. The Beckham contract proves just that, as the wideout likely wouldn't have signed unless he knew who the quarterback would end up being.
The Ravens are now eyeing two big name receivers in the 2023 NFL Draft after signing Beckham
It's not just Beckham the Ravens plan on having for the coming season. The Ravens are now looking at two other big name receivers in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.
According to a recent report, Baltimore is lasering in on two of the top wide receivers in this draft class. Who are they, and how would they fit alongside Beckham? Let's dive into them both real quick.
First Round wide receivers the Ravens are targeting in 2023 NFL Draft: Jordan Addison, USC
The first wide receiver Baltimore is looking at drafting at pick no. 22 is USC standout, and former PIttsburgh Panther, Jordan Addison. At 5-foot-11, Addison possesses average size but has the flexibility of lining up both inside and outside.
A great pro comparison that's been thrown around by some experts, for Addison, is Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett. If the Ravens are getting someone along those lines, to go with Beckham, Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor, I'm certain Baltimore fans would be thrilled.
Addison could drop to Baltimore mainly because his production wasn't as good in 2022 as it was in 2021. After transferring from Pittsburgh, his receptions, yardage and touchdowns were all nearly cut in half.
Still, he's a guy who can work all three areas of the field and runs excellent routes. His footwork is superb, allowing him to separate well and get open, especially in the middle of the field. He's not afraid to go across, inside the numbers and open up. If Addison is there at no. 22, expect the Ravens to pull the trugger, unless this next guy is on the board, that is.
First Round wide receivers the Ravens are targeting in 2023 NFL Draft: Quentin Johnston, TCU
Let's just say, if Quentin Johnston was the pick, there is no way Lamar Jackson could resist playing out this season. Having Beckham, Johnston and Bateman as his top three wide receivers, plus the tremendous talent at tight end with Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely would line Jackson up for a potential career year.
Johnston has been linked to the Ravens by multiple outlets, at this point, so it's looking like the interest is very real.
Johnston stands 6-foot-3 and is the largest of all the top wide receivers in the class. He is a size and speed combo that is very rare to come across. Because of his long, strong legs, he's able to get down field in a hurry, even though it might not look like it at first glance.
This is a target with a large catch radius, a huge vertical and the ability to go up and come down with difficult catches. Johnston averaged an impressive 19.0 yards per catch over his three years at TCU, proving he's a big play waiting to happen at any given moment. That average is esepcially eye-popping considering he caught a total of 115 passes. This wasn't a one-hit wonder type of career. He got better every season.
Johnston would clearly line up on the outside, with Beckham and Bateman being able to switch in and out of the slot. The rookie is a clear-cut, no-brainer to send out wide on every snap, whereas the other two have some flexibility.