It’s hard to say the main attraction in sports right now is the Baltimore Ravens offseason. For locals, the Orioles have taken hearts on the diamond with a hot start to their 2023 campaign. For others, the Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets are getting set to tipoff the NBA Finals.
And yet, some still a way to find a connection Baltimore:
Heat in 6. This Miami teams has 2000 Baltimore Ravens vibes to them. Fearless. Just coming to punch people in the mouth.
— Neal Driscoll (@NealDriscoll) May 30, 2023
I think this stance is a little bit of a reach, as the Miami Heat were an 8th seed in the Eastern Conference (and therefore written off even more), but I do see the similar mentality. If you haven’t checked out what Jimmy Butler has done for the Heat these playoffs, be sure to tune in Thursday night.
Meanwhile, Ravens rookies will be trying to replicate the achievement of the 2000 team, and the team put out an energizing video teasing Ravens Wired from their first period at the facility.
From the scouting process to Rookie Minicamp…
Becoming a Raven ⌛️ pic.twitter.com/z1OmYjkBsK
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 30, 2023
That should be a fun watch Wednesday evening!
Baltimore needs key contributions from a few rookies this season, namely Zay Flowers, Trenton Simpson, and if possible, Kyu Blu Kelly.
But as Dev Panchwagh writes, there’s more than just a few players jumps will be expected of. Most importantly, Ravens fans will be looking for improvements out of young pass rushers Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo.
How the defense goes depends on the development of Oweh & Ojabo. Two former high-school teammates. The story is set up to be a classic.
How can @chucksmithnfl help both players reach their potential? I dive into the details for @RussellStReport #Ravens https://t.co/aQdq161oR4
— Dev Panchwagh (@devpanchwagh) May 30, 2023
Dev is spot on: there’s no bigger question mark than the EDGE in my eyes, but it also has the potential to be a strong point. Time will tell.
Another player on the rise could be Isaiah Likely. He came on strong in periods last season, but could perform even better with the players that’ll be around him in 2023. The Ravens are confident he’ll hit the ground running and make an impact:
Don't sleep on @DaGorilla4❗ pic.twitter.com/qSBOBNTgXC
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 30, 2023
At other positions, questions have risen not because of unproven ability, but instead because of lingering injury issues. That’s the case for a few big names, all of which Ravens fans should be excited to see return at full strength.
Give him Todd Monken.
Give him a full season.
Give him the ball.
Then sit back and enjoy the show. 🍿 pic.twitter.com/g3ultQ7c3P
— Ravens Nation LIVE (@LIVERavenNation) May 30, 2023
Gus Edwards is the definition of underrated pic.twitter.com/Y7z9QvUqYH
— The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) May 30, 2023
How much better will the Ravens offense be by simply having players be healthier?
EX:
Lamar Jackson
J.K. Dobbins
Gus Edwards
Rashod Bateman— Jake's Fantasy Football (@JakesFFootball) May 30, 2023
The running game should be back to its previous unstoppable status, but most fans are excited for the passing game. Having OBJ, Flowers, Bateman and others is a clear improvement, but despite that, many believe DeAndre Hopkins should be the finishing touch.
Teammates… ⏳@obj x @DeAndreHopkins pic.twitter.com/aqx2wuNmy9
— The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) May 30, 2023
There are definitely some key considerations in pursuing Deandre Hopkins for the #Ravens
However, given how things have gone at the position, it's a move I would definitely make.
I'll never be worried about a Baltimore Ravens WR room logjam lmao#RavensFlock
— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) May 30, 2023
It’s a fair push that this is a good problem to have. However, I’m not sure Hopkins would be the addition that puts Baltimore over the top. Instead, signing Justin Houston or Marcus Peters might provide the depth and experience at a bigger need.
Imagine there being a position on the Ravens roster with less depth than WR!
Despite what I believe, there are heavy links between Hopkins and the Ravens:
The #Bills and #Chiefs are in a "arms race" for DeAndre Hopkins, per @JFowlerESPN
The #Ravens “did their homework” on trading for WR DeAndre Hopkins but reportedly “backed off” of a deal, Jeff Zrebiec believes the Ravens pursuing free agent WR DeAndre Hopkins is a "no-brainer pic.twitter.com/DRpTxSSf1M
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) May 30, 2023
He also listed Lamar Jackson as one of his ideal QBs to play with a few weeks back. It’s impossible to know at this stage, but neither outcome would surprise me.
Which way would you like to see the Ravens go with Hopkins?
One Response
Lisfranc injuries are weird. Bateman not reinjuring his foot would be a plus, but it’s a concern that can’t be ignored. You never know how OBJ’s knee will react in a full season. Lose one or both of those guys and we are mediocre again. We can’t expect a rookie Zay Flowers to carry the full load. Signing Hopkins now that he is a free agent is a no brainer, if they can make the cap dollars work, bring him aboard. In EDC we trust.