With the Baltimore Ravens positioned at sixth overall in next month’s NFL draft, if they pick a wide receiver in the first round, the only logical option would be Laquon Treadwell of Ole Miss.
Treadwell is the clear top receiver prospect in this year’s draft and one of the few elite skill position players available. He very well may be in play for the Ravens in the first round. But let’s say the Ravens look elsewhere to one of their other needs in the first round.
If that’s the case, then the Ravens will address the wide receiver position during a later round.
Let’s take a look at some of the day 2 and day 3Â options for Baltimore.
Will Fuller, Notre Dame
Teams may (rightfully so) completely write off Fuller due to overly disappointing measurables:
Sure Fuller’s hands are smaller than Kendrick Lewis’ coverage radius, but that should not fully discount him as a prospect. With Fuller, teams should be looking at him as a speed threat. His inconsistent catching ability and limited route tree functioning make for a risky pick.
However, he could pick apart slow secondaries in the NFL. With 20.3 yards per reception during his junior year at Notre Dame, Fuller proved that his speed can make up for his smaller frame.
If drafted to be solely what he is known for (a speed receiver), then Fuller can do damage in the NFL. Expect him to be in play as early as the second round.
Michael Thomas, Ohio State
In a class of rather small receivers, Thomas stands out due to his ideal 6’3 frame.
Unlike Fuller, Thomas is not a one-trick pony, but rather one of the most balanced all-around wide receivers in the draft.
His strong hands and physical play allow him to win contested balls and haul in passes in traffic. He is more of a “safe” pick than other receivers. He is not a high-end talent, but was consistent in college and is unlikely to bust. For a team such as the Ravens that simply needs a dependable, diverse option at wide receiver, Thomas may be the right guy for the job.
Josh Doctson, TCU
Fresh off an impressive combine performance and a breakout season at TCU, Doctson is one of the hottest commodities at his position this year.
As a fringe first round prospect, Doctson could very well be in play for Baltimore early in the second round. He has the size and length to be an outside receiver in the NFL, with the contested-catch ability to show for it.
In 2015, Doctson posted 1,326 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in just 10 games.
Sterling Shepard, Oklahoma
Knock him for his size (5’10) if you want, but the reality is that Shepard might be the best route runner in this year’s draft. Smooth and effortless in and out of breaks, Shepard’s agility will allow him to thrive as a slot receiver in the NFL.
In 2015, he posted a career year with 86 receptions and 11 touchdowns. With a non-ideal frame, he likely will be selected lower than his talent suggests, offering a potential bargain for the Ravens after round one.
Rashard Higgins, Colorado State
After leading the country in receiving yards (1,750) and receiving touchdowns (17) in 2014, Higgins came back to earth last season, but still managed 1,061 yards and eight touchdowns.
With a thin frame and limited athleticism, Higgins does not figure to be a highly coveted prospect. However, he still proved that he is a talented outside receiver. He could step in and add quality depth to a receiving corps such as Baltimore’s.
Higgins may not offer the high-end capability such as the receivers mentioned above. But he should still be a solid third or fourth receiver in the NFL with due time.
