So much of this week’s discourse has been about the Baltimore Ravens’ receiving corps. We’re used to this in Charm City offseasons, but this year’s conversations are a little different. Instead of talking about needing wideouts in the upcoming NFL Draft, Baltimore’s WR room feels relatively strong.
That said, a lot of change could still be coming. Across Twitter, there have been rumors that former first-round pick Marquise “Hollywood” Brown could be retiring to pursue a career in gaming. After his first 1,000-yard season, that seems like a rash decision for Brown.
Still, Brown has removed all Ravens content from his social media accounts, which is fueling the rumors. As RSR’s own Todd Karpovich highlights for SI, the speculation is surrounded by conjecture.
Brown has made clear that he plans to improve on his strong 2021 campaign by getting faster and stronger (hopefully with more reliable hands, too). As Karpovich writes, “that doesn’t sound like someone who is planning to retire.”
Aside from Hollywood, Lamar Jackson seems intrigued by the addition of his wideout’s cousin, Antonio Brown. This is a familiar story that’s been circulating for a few years now, but ESPN did discuss the possibility again on Wednesday.
Former Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich made the following statement about the Ravens still needing a top target for Jackson:
Former Patriot Rob Ninkovich thinks the one thing Lamar Jackson and the #Ravens are missing is a true No. 1 wide receiver in Baltimore.
via @GetUpESPN pic.twitter.com/v3dgTm38bb
— Bobby Trosset (@bobbywbal) February 16, 2022
In my opinion, Baltimore doesn’t need to bring in a veteran receiver to take the final step – they have far more pressing needs. If that receiver is a toxic personality like the elder Brown cousin, doing so is more likely to be a detriment than it is to be the move that puts them over the top. Assuming Hollywood stays with the Ravens, he will improve. More exciting, however, is the inevitable improvement of Rashod Bateman, who has shown tremendous promise. I expect Bateman to ultimately become Baltimore’s #1 receiver, with Brown being a strong second target.
With that in mind, the receivers won’t matter if Jackson isn’t extended to stay in Baltimore and isn’t at his best. I’ve spoken to this ad nauseum, so I won’t say much more for now, but Jackson must be paid by GM Eric DeCosta. If you aren’t yet convinced, check out his track record below:
“Lamar Jackson doesn’t deserve big money” #Ravensflock pic.twitter.com/FhNU5uclsp
— 𝙕𝙖𝙘𝙝🦦 (@NewEraZach_) February 16, 2022
As an additional counter-point to Ninkovich’s points, Jackson won’t be at his best if the Ravens can’t protect him. As a new name to throw into the hat, what about Penn State LT Rasheed Walker in the second or third round?
Rasheed Walker at 45 to the Baltimore #Ravens
Here for it. https://t.co/sCzeYZornl
— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) February 16, 2022
Walker looks like a true mauler, which is something the Ravens could use on the opposite side of LT Ronnie Stanley. To see how that could happen in the draft, I’ve completed a Mock Draft in which Baltimore selects Walker in Round 3:
In this Mock, the Ravens make huge strides toward rebuilding the defensive front with Karlaftis, Mathis, and Thomas late, while adding depth to the secondary in Cam Taylor-Britt and Nick Cross. Additionally, in Leo Chenal, DeCosta gets tremendous fourth-round value with a LB that could play in the middle of new DC Mike Macdonald’s defense. As a cherry on top, Jake Ferguson gives Jackson another TE target while Justyn Ross’s potential was too high to pass on with Baltimore’s final pick.
For me, this Mock fills a great deal of holes for the Ravens, especially on defense. That said, it does neglect the offensive line a bit. Even if Walker’s tape is exciting, he may not be an immediate starter at Tackle. In Dohnovan West, Baltimore gets a developmental interior lineman, but again, not someone who’d be expected to start in year one. Ultimately, I do believe the Ravens must address the OL with one of their first two picks, as potential starters seem to fly off the board before their third.
