Since dinosaurs have roamed the earth and Joe Biden was still wearing short pants, the Ravens fandom has been yearning for an elite receiver they could call their own. Oh, there have been some stellar performances from the likes of Michael Jackson, Derrick Mason, Anquan Boldin and Steve Smith, but it’s never been enough to really cause defenses to sweat what’s happening downfield for the Ravens’ offense.
Us after hearing @Espngreeny say that since the Ravens (Browns) moved to Baltimore in 1996, they have never had a Pro Bowl receiver. pic.twitter.com/oP4lGJUvIK
— First and Pen (@firstandpen) April 10, 2023
It’s a little odd that in this day and age when third, fourth and fifth alternates end up making it to a Pro Bowl that has become more noted for apathy than interest, the Ravens have never had a receiver get that call. I say, “a little odd,” because it’s not really “a lot odd.” The team has historically lacked in true gamebreakers at that position.
But they made a bold move to land free agent wideout Odell Beckham Jr., this week, and today must feel like Christmas with his expected signing and press conference.
Say hi to the newest Raven world 😈 pic.twitter.com/3Ihd5aIppV
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 12, 2023
It’s to be determined how this works out at the end of the day. Beckham is coming off his second ACL injury and is going to be a 30-year-old receiver who hasn’t been much of a true impact guy in several years. Some of that is due to injury, and some due to his surroundings, in my opinion.
But new Ravens play caller Todd Monken has worked with Beckham before, in Cleveland, and seems pretty confident that he knows what makes Beckham tick, and he likes it.
UNLEASH ODELL 🔥 pic.twitter.com/vzL2gkXBdr
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) April 12, 2023
If Beckham is indeed healthy after some extended time away from the game, and Monken knows the secret sauce to getting his skills unlocked, the Flock might have found its standout receiver after a long, long wait. Of course, a lot depends on who is going to be getting him the ball, right?
From NFL Now: New #Colts coach Shane Steichen says his team is focused on the draft, not any other team's QB. Let's get into it… pic.twitter.com/jHFXgnMuxP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 12, 2023
Barring a surprise suitor (Minnesota, Las Vegas?), most people see the biggest threat to losing Lamar Jackson is our old foe, the Colts. But publicly, they continue to send out messages that they are eyeing the draft for their next quarterback, not an expensive free agent. Of course, NFL franchises are not exactly known for telling the truth, particularly leading up to the draft and free agency, so take that for what it’s worth.
I’m still of the opinion that the Ravens and Jackson come to terms on a two- or three-year deal that is fully guaranteed, and hopefully that buys both of them some time — Jackson to prove that he is reliable and through whatever freak injuries might have fallen his way, and the Ravens to fully fix this offense into something that is enticing enough to make Jackson once again an enthusiastic leader and player.
6 Responses
I have to say that having Monken as OC and OBJ as a true number 1 WR is really interesting. I am curious to see how he uses Bateman too. There is certainly potential for the offense with a lot of the players we have. I think Dobbins is going to become one of those legendary backs in the game by the time his career is over. So I’ll be curious what Monken does with him and Gus. As far as who’s throwing it, I just hope that whomever it is they are able to hit their shots everywhere on the field consistently instead of just between the hashes. Deep shots need to connect more than 20% of the time! Sideline shots need to be on target and consistent because 16% there sucks. I believe from looking at LJs college tape that smaller WRs scare him to the point he will run or throw it short before delivering a strike. Having bigger WRs on the outside showed on his college tape where he threw outside to the boundary with more consistency and dare I say more confidence. He’s never been great at outside throws but he has shown the ability to improve. I think to accommodate him you’re going to need bullies on the outside that allow him to throw and away from the defender on those outside throws. Otherwise he runs or throws it short. Don’t take my word for it, WATCH THE TAPE!
Interesting observation on taller WR. Wasn’t Boykin tall? LJ also seems to get too keyed up in certain situations where I believe he rushes his throws too.
You’re right about Boykin at 6’4″ but Boykin never developed a chemistry with LJ. I believe Boykin was here a bit before LJ too. So I think Flacco was a better QB fit for Boykin based on what Boykin did well. The bigger Guys on the outside also have an easier time gaining leverage. As you know LJ sees leverage VERY well. So why not play into that? That’s really my point. Big physical WRs with 1 or 2 route techs sprinkled in and 1 backside burner number 3 WR for deep stuff.
I guess how much risk do the Ravens take by drafting players that fit LJ when there is a big chance that he won’t be with the Ravens in 2 years?
It really does seem that we are getting blasted from every quadrant with Odel comes to Baltimore – to get the optics off of LJ, doesn’t it? Not really complaining about that . . .
I like the direction things are going for the Ravens. I like that OBJ spoke to Lamar Jackson before making a deal with the Ravens. Just waiting for some more good news re Lamar eventually.