Rookie Report – 2015 Season
With the disappointing 2015 season squarely in the rearview mirror, let’s play teacher and hand out grades to the rookie class.
Draft Picks
Breshad Perriman: Incomplete
The frustration surrounding the first-round pick’s mysterious knee injury was a microcosm of Baltimore’s tumultuous season. The Ravens brass expects Perriman to make a full recovery and bring his speed to the offense in 2016.
Maxx Williams: B-
After a slow start, Madd Maxx ended the year with an impressive 5-catch performance in Cincinnati in the season finale. He saw an uptick in snaps when Crockett Gillmore went down for the year, finishing with 32 catches for 268 yards and a touchdown. He lacks a bit of fluidity in his route running, but he has decent hands, is good after the catch, and improved as a blocker. The young tight end can greatly benefit from a big offseason in the weight room to get leaner.
Carl Davis: C-
Davis surged to a strong start to the year, but somewhat surprisingly, fell off in the middle and end of the season. Better play from Timmy Jernigan and the return of Brent Urban saw Davis’ snaps restricted, but the Iowa product does have penetration ability and good instincts. Expect Davis to improve noticeably under the tutelage of DL coach Clarence Brooks over the next two seasons.
Za’Darius Smith: B+
Recording an impressive 5 sacks in his rookie year, Smith stepped up in the absence of Terrell Suggs. He gives great effort and is smarter and more effective against the run than I was expecting. However, I do think fans need to temper their expectations for Smith. He still needs a lot of coaching to develop better pass-rushing technique. Despite the Ravens’ uncertainty at outside linebacker, I do not envision Smith as starter caliber for at least another season.
Buck Allen: B
Allen is a do-it-all back who really shined when Baltimore lost Justin Forsett, finishing with 867 all-purpose yards and 3 touchdowns. The fumbling issues are certainly a concern, but if he can correct those mistakes, he has the speed, power, vision, and pass-catching skills to be in the mix for a starting role next season.
Tray Walker: D
It was clear that coaches never really trusted Walker to play meaningful snaps this season. It will take incredible improvement this offseason to justify his fourth-round selection.
Nick Boyle: C+
Boyle was more active in the passing game than many envisioned, racking up 18 catches for 153 yards. He was brought in as a blocking tight end, but his rookie season showed that he will likely be an above-average third tight end at what’s shaping up to be a deep position for Baltimore. His PED suspension was immensely disappointing, but look for him to make it up next season.
Robert Myers: Incomplete
“Snacks” is no longer with the Ravens, having been waived twice by Baltimore—after all, guard is a pretty deep position on the roster. Last week at the season-ending presser, Ozzie Newsome wished Myers well whether he continues with his current club, Denver, or elsewhere.
Waller got a few chances to shine at receiver, especially in Oakland, but failed to convert any big plays, finishing with just 2 receptions before being placed on IR with a hamstring injury after Week 7. Waller is a better special teams player than many thought he would be, and his 6’6” frame will allow him to compete for the last receiver spot next season.
Notable Undrafted Rookies
Daniel Brown: C
After a rash of receiver injuries, Brown saw some action late in the year. He caught 6 balls for 64 yards and had a gorgeous 52-yard touchdown wrongly called back on a penalty. He faces an uphill battle to make the 2016 roster, but is a fun kid to watch. He would make a great practice squad candidate.
Kaelin Clay: B-
Arriving in Baltimore in Week 11, Clay really impressed as a returner when the Ravens had no other options. He is decisive, has great speed, and most importantly held on to the football. Coaches don’t seem to really trust him as a receiver, though. We’ll see whether they’re willing to sacrifice a roster spot for a player like Clay, who merely offers returner ability.
Let us know what grades you would give this year’s crop of rookies in the comments section!
