The NFL offseason is in full swing and the Ravens have plenty of holes to fill on their roster as they prepare for the beginning of the new league year.
Much has been made about the team’s secondary along with the need for a pass rusher but surely there are other question marks surrounding John Harbaugh’s group.
One of those other question marks includes the wide receiver corps. Currently, the Ravens have just five wideouts under contract for 2016:
Steve Smith Sr.
No one plays with more heart than the feisty veteran Smith Sr.
Smitty made fans ecstatic following his announcement that he will return for one more season after having his 2015 season cut short by a torn Achilles.
The Ravens must play it smart when it comes to Smith, who will turn 37 in May. While there is plenty of fight left in the 16-year veteran, Harbaugh and company would be wise in limiting his reps coming off such a significant injury.
While Smith Sr. should continue to play a role in the offense, he should no longer be stressed with carrying the bulk of the load of the receiving corps. The Ravens need to plan for life without Smith, and make the rest of their life with him easier on him.
Breshad Perriman
The Ravens will finally get a good look at their 2015 first-round draft pick, who missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury, as he looks to get back to the practice field when offseason activities officially begin.
Perriman was a much missed cog in 2015 as the offense lacked speed and big play capability, something the former University of Central Florida standout can provide.
The Ravens’ track record of drafting successful wide receivers early has been dismal, and many fans are eager to throw the “bust” label on him. However the verdict is very much still out on Perriman.
The Howard County native can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to the injury bug. For the second consecutive season Camp was placed on injured reserve, cutting short a promising sophomore campaign. The injury occurred against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, a game in which Camp had a nifty little touchdown run.
The speedy receiver has all the makings of a weapon for Joe Flacco. His routes are crisp, his hands are solid and he also gives the Ravens a solid kick/punt returner.
“That’s going to be my goal this offseason, is just preparing my body to take anything,” stated Campanaro following the 2015 season. “That’s the biggest thing for me. I feel like if I can stay healthy, I can really make a big impact.”
If Campanaro can stay healthy, he will be relied upon heavily given his play making ability.
Perriman wasn’t the only rookie unable to finish his first season in purple and black. Waller’s was cut short after he suffered a hamstring injury in October.
Drafted in the sixth round, Waller was a raw prospect who didn’t have many highlights in his rookie campaign, but shined with his special teams play including seeing reps as gunner on kickoffs for coach Jerry Rosburg.
It’s possible Waller will see more action in 2016 given the lack of depth currently at the position and his size, something Marc Trestman favors in his receivers. The 6-foot-6, 245-pound former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket could be vital in the red zone.
Cam Worthy
The name certainly isn’t a familiar one, as the undrafted receiver will have an uphill battle to make the Ravens squad in 2016.
In fact, he wasn’t even a lock to make the roster last season when the organization inked the former East Carolina wideout to a three-year, $1.577 million contract. He was placed on the PUP list when rookies reported to training camp, giving him another shot in 2016.
Worthy is a relative unknown who will struggle to make an impact.
While the Ravens will likely tender Kamar Aiken who is a restricted free agent, there is still the need for an upgrade.
After all, exclusive rights free agents Daniel Brown, Jeremy Butler, Kaelin Clay, and Chris Matthews, aside from a few decent games, didn’t really shine when given the opportunity.
The Ravens could look to free agency for a second-tier type receiver who would have to come cheap given their current salary cap situation, but they’ll more than likely look to address the position in the draft.
Receiver may not be the most pressing need, but it’s one that certainly has to garner some attention from Ozzie Newsome this spring. The team cannot afford to gamble on its present receivers to stay healthy throughout the year, lest they continue to watch the other AFC North squads lap them in the WR department.
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