The Ravens have an overwhelming number of wide receivers vying for a spot on their 53-man roster, which has been a trend over the past two seasons.
On Wednesday, the team held their second OTA practice open to the media. While all eyes were seemingly on first round draft pick, Breshad Perriman, it was wide receiver Kamar Aiken who made the most noise.
On the second play of the offense’s first series, Aiken glided through a route to beat cornerback Asa Jackson with ease for a long touchdown reception from Joe Flacco. It wasn’t his only one of the afternoon. His next touchdown came in double coverage when he reached over both Matt Elam and Will Hill to make a spectacular reception.
But who is Kamar Aiken?
Playing time was hard to come by for Aiken last season, yet the 6-2, 215 pound Aiken did see action in all 16 games. He made the most of his limited snaps finishing the season with 24 receptions for 267 yards and 3 touchdowns.
In a scouting report from draftinsider.net, the two-year starter from Central Florida was praised as a “Well-built pass catcher who projects as an underneath possession receiver in the NFL.” Aiken’s downside was a lack of burst along with average route running ability.
Aiken’s road to the NFL wasn’t an easy one. After joining the Buffalo Bills in 2011 as an undrafted rookie free agent, the former Knight has bounced around the league. He has played stints in Buffalo, Chicago, and New England before landing in Baltimore in late 2013.
The million dollar question surrounding Aiken is one that certainly will garner a lot of attention over the next few months.
Did Aiken provide us with a glimpse of his pass catching ability last season despite his limited snaps? Has Kamar finally hit his stride, perhaps as a late bloomer much like cornerback Jimmy Smith?
The next few months could make the role of Kamar Aiken clearer if he can continue to impress throughout the remainder of OTAs and training camp.
If he continues along this path, Aiken will be one of those undrafted gems that the Ravens have a history of unearthing.
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