This week, the Baltimore media got a chance to visit with new Wide Receivers Coach Bobby Engram for the first time since the team hired him in February.
Engram, a former wide receiver spent 14 years in the NFL playing for the Bears, Seahawks, Chiefs and Browns before retiring after the 2010 season.
“I think it definitely helps,” Engram responded when asked about how much his career in the league will help as the Ravens wide receivers coach.
“My thing is to just try to be a good communicator, try to teach them what we are looking for as an offensive staff in terms of just the details. And my job is to try to tap them out, each and every one of them, try to wring out every ounce of talent that they have. The great thing is that all these guys are workers, and that’s the number one thing. If you’re willing to work on your craft, then you’ve got a chance to reach your maximum potential.”
With many details still unanswered about the Ravens receiver corps for 2014, Engram will focus on the players that he does have at the moment. Torrey Smith, Marlon Brown, and Jacoby Jones all had solid seasons in 2013 despite what the Ravens 8-8 record and bottom-of-the-league offense indicate.
Young receivers Deonte Thompson, Aaron Mellette, Gerrard Sheppard (Towson) and Kamar Aiken will all have a chance to improve under Engram’s vast playing experience and coaching.
“I don’t have any hard expectations right now other than to come in and get to know them, let them get to feel who I am as a person and a coach, and work hard every day to get better,” Engram said.
“And then ultimately, it’s about winning games – just be the best unit that we can be, be the best individual player we can be, and help this team win games and win championships.”
Excited to get his feet wet with the Ravens receivers, Engram is all in on Baltimore fan favorite Torrey Smith.
“Torrey has speed, he has toughness and run-after-the-catch ability,” Engram said about the former Terp. “The sky really is the limit. And he’s willing to work.”
“I’ve talked to him, and I know that, and everybody in the building knows that, so we just have to see what the future holds. But I’m excited to have him, and I’m excited to work with him.”
Engram will replace long time wide receivers coach and Harbaugh friend Jim Hostler, and is excited to work with the coaching staff that has been assembled in Baltimore for 2014.
When asked about what attracted him to Baltimore, Engram cited the organizational approach. “I think first, this organization, [I have] nothing but respect for what they’ve done and the way they conduct their business from the top on down.
“Ozzie [Newsome], his track record speaks for itself. Coach [John] Harbaugh and his success as a coach … I just came here, and during the interview process, I got a great feel for everybody in the building. I’m just looking forward to working with this staff and bringing what I can to the table to help us win games.”
Engram certainly has the players to work with and depending on free agency and the draft, he may just have a few more weapons to add to his receiving arsenal.
It’s a new era with the wide receivers in Baltimore and Engram has a shot to start it off right.
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