Not much will change at the wide receiver position except the names when it comes to Marc Trestman’s offense in 2015.
There will be a lot of carry over from what Gary Kubiak installed during training camp last year, something that benefits those wideouts who were on the roster in 2014.
What fans will see, depending on how watchful of an eye you have, are how the wide receivers will be used in protections and as wide receiver coach Bobby Engram put it, “there will be some routes situationally that will allow the guys to get deeper and handle some hots.”
During his tenure as the Chicago Bears head coach from 2013-2014, Marc Trestman’s top wide receivers Brandon Marshall along with Alshon Jeffery enjoyed solid statistical years.
In two years, the Bears number one and two receivers racked up 4,570 receiving yards on 335 receptions and 33 touchdowns.
At this point in time, the picture is cloudy as to who will exactly take over the number two receiver role for the Ravens replacing Torrey Smith who departed via free agency. If minicamp was any indication of how things will play out in training camp, at least in Engram’s eyes, it appears as if the organization won’t put the number one or two wide receiver label on any player.
“I think any time you can be a versatile player, its’ great. And, obviously, in certain sets, you’re going to have starters,” said Engram. “I think that’s where guys get labeled a No. 1 or No. 2.”
“If you’re a starter, you’re probably a No. 1 or 2, but I just look at guys that can play. How can guys fit in and help this team win ball games? And again, the more versatile you are, the better you are, the more chance you have of getting on the field.”
In regards to Trestman’s history with the big-bodied Marshall (6-4, 230 lbs) and Jeffery (6-3, 216 lbs), the Ravens have a slew of wideouts matching their frames with Marlon Brown (6-5, 214 lbs), Kamar Aiken (6-2, 215 lbs) and rookies Breshad Perriman (6-2, 212 lbs) and Darren Waller (6-6, 240 lbs). It’s Brown though who could benefit most from Trestman’s offensive mind.
Brown, perhaps the most proven talent in the wide receiver corp outside of the ageless Steve Smith, Sr., showcased his talents in 2013 when the then undrafted rookie finished third on the team in catches (49) and second in receiving yards (524) while leading the team in touchdown receptions with seven.
Last season however Brown’s reps were drastically reduced with the addition of Smith Sr, something the former Georgia Bulldog clearly understood.
“Steve Smith [Sr.] came in!!,” said Marlon back in April. “I had no problem with that, Steve came in – I mean he’s a future Hall of Famer – I had no beef, no problem with Steve.”
“Steve helped me out a lot, even from my time, so I felt like last year I was always grinding and working hard, and I felt like at the end of the year it showed.”
Throughout OTAs and minicamp, Brown and Kamar Aiken have taken reps primarily with the first team offense and both fared rather well. Things are expected to heat up between the two receivers as every rep will count more than the previous one when training camp begins later this month.
Challenges lie ahead yet it’s easy to see why Marlon could be excited about playing in his new coordinator’s offense.
“Oh, yes. For the past couple of years I’ve been playing a slot position, but I know once they said Trestman was coming in, I definitely got excited, because he loves to throw the ball to guys in the slot and to guys on the outside.”
Bobby Engram also shares his excitement for the former GMC “Never Say Never” Moment of the Week player.
“Marlon [Brown] is a worker,” remarked Engram. “You really saw Marlon come on strong the last half of last season, and we see the same thing in OTAs and minicamp.
“He’s made a lot of plays, and he understands multiple positions. He’s a worker and he’s a technician who’s learning how to continue to hone his craft.”
Time will tell if the hard work translates into success that rivals Trestman proteges Marshall and Jeffery.
Somewhere along the Jersey shore, Joe Flacco is smiling…
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