Ravens OTA Depth Chart Analysis: Wide Receivers
With the Baltimore Ravens Organized Team Activities fully underway, I will be going through the Ravens position by position breaking down the depth and the competition. I will be categorizing players into one of three spots; locks to make the team, bubble players, and longshots
Wide receivers:
Locks: Michael Crabtree(10th), John Brown(5th), Willie Snead(4th), Chris Moore(2nd), Jaleel Scott (R), Jordan Lasley(R),
One thing this squad is missing however is true number one receiver. Crabtree, while he is a great receiver and will run great post routes for Flacco, only had 618 yards last season. He is a true red zone threat which is something the Ravens have been missing.
John Brown has lots of speed and still relativity young at 25, if he can stay healthy he can have a big season. Snead will be working out of the slot, but he is more than that. He is a decent route runner and incredibly strong. Moore will look to improve on an impressive rookie campaign and will compete for kickoff duties. Scott will contribute as a rookie and will probably add to his highlight reel in the red zone. Lasley has some character issues but could be a steal in the 5th round.
Bubble: Breshad Perriman(4th), DeVier Posey(3rd), Quincy Adeboyejo(2nd), Tim White(2nd)
Breshad is on the bubble because the Ravens could save 1.5 million if they cut him. Ryan Mink of BaltimoreRavens.com said that Perriman has put a lot of work in during this offseason. For him it’s a matter of mentality and grit because all the tools are there, and his skill can not be denied. If during OTA’s he can show the coaches that he can return to 2016 form when he had 33 catches for 499 yards and three touchdowns, then the Ravens will keep him.
Posey was the Julio Jones of the Canadian Football League last year and was the Grey Cup MVP. I believe he could surprise everyone and be starting by the end of the season. Quincy and White were UFAs last year who impressed during the preseason last year. Quincy will start on the PUP list and White will compete for kick returning duties.
Long shots: Jaelon Acklin(R), Janarion Grant(R), Andre Levrone(R)
Practice squad candidates.
The Ravens had five to eight receivers on their roster at any point during the last season. So, I expect for at least two of the bubble guys to make team. My money is on Perriman and Posey, they have the most to offer the team this season. White might make the team if they decide he is worth to carry him for his returning ability. Like Jeremy Maclin last year if there is a late cap casualty WR, the Ravens could pounce.
