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Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is making waves with his passing game against the Chiefs.
The Baltimore Ravens had an impressive rushing attack this season, thanks in large part to QB Lamar Jackson’s ability to keep defenses on their toes. However, despite the addition of some wide receiver weapons, the team may need to make some changes to their receiving corps this offseason in order to better support their star QB.
ESPN Staff recently released their predictions for the 2024 NFL offseason, including key free agents, draft notes, and more. According to draft expert Matt Miller, the Ravens should focus on upgrading their WR corps through the draft. Miller believes that this year’s draft class is stacked with talented wide receivers, making it the perfect opportunity for the Ravens to find another top-flight target for Jackson.
It’s worth noting that the Ravens used their first-round pick in the 2023 draft to select WR Zay Flowers. While Flowers had a fantastic rookie season, he may not be enough to fully address the team’s needs at the position. Miller describes Flowers as a speedy, undersized vertical threat, suggesting that the Ravens could benefit from adding a larger, more well-rounded receiver to their roster.
Both ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Tankathon have identified a number of talented wide receivers in this year’s draft class. Kiper ranks five receivers in his top 25 prospects, while Tankathon lists 10 receivers in their Top-50 big board. With the 30th pick in the first round, the Ravens may have to wait and see if any of the top receivers are still available when it’s their turn to pick.
According to Miller, if the Ravens have the opportunity to draft a big-bodied wideout like LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. or Texas’ Adonai Mitchell, they should seize it. Both Thomas and Mitchell are highly regarded by draft experts, with Thomas standing at 6-4 and 205 pounds and Mitchell showcasing impressive speed and redzone skills during his college career.
The Ravens have a chance to bolster their receiving corps in this year’s draft, and it will be interesting to see if they take advantage of the opportunity to further support their star QB, Lamar Jackson.
TIGER MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE AT PICK 30
In the upcoming draft, there is uncertainty whether the highly sought-after player known as the Tiger will be available at pick 30. According to Tankathon, the Buffalo Bills are projected to take Thomas at pick 28, leaving the Tiger’s fate up in the air.
MITCHELL: A TOP RECEIVER PROSPECT
Mitchell has been recognized as the 7th best receiver by Tankathon and the 8th best by Kiper. This Texas product stands out as another tall receiver, although slightly leaner at 196 lbs. To excel in the NFL, Mitchell may need to bulk up a bit.
RAVENS EYEING MITCHELL AT PICK 30
The Ravens have their eyes on Mitchell as a potential option at pick 30, unless another team becomes infatuated with him during the draft process. Tankathon also acknowledges the Ravens’ need for a big-bodied receiver, but they have their sights set on Florida State’s Keon Coleman at pick No. 30.
CHANGES AHEAD FOR RAVENS’ RECEIVING CORPS
As the 2024 season approaches, the Ravens’ receiving corps may undergo significant changes. According to Miller, Odell Beckham Jr. will become a free agent in March at the age of 31. Additionally, Nelson Agholor, Laquon Treadwell, and Devin Duvernay will also be free agents. This leaves Flowers and Rashod Bateman as the only receivers who received significant targets this past season.
RAVENS CONSIDER ADDING A VETERAN FREE AGENT
Beckham and Agholor played vital roles as the Ravens’ No. 2 and No. 3 receivers, respectively, this season (excluding tight ends). To fill the void left by their departure, the Ravens may look to bring in a veteran free agent to bolster their receiving corps.
WAS OBJ WORTH THE MONEY?
Odell Beckham Jr. recently earned an additional $1 million in incentives, bringing his total salary for 2023 to $16 million. These incentives included reaching milestones such as catching at least 30 passes, scoring three touchdowns, and gaining at least 500 yards. The question arises: was OBJ worth the investment?
RAVENS FACE CHALLENGES IN RETAINING BECKHAM
While the Ravens are eager to bring back Beckham, their limited salary cap situation poses a challenge. Spotrac estimates Beckham’s market value at $11.9 million, making it difficult for the Ravens to meet his financial demands.
JACKSON NEEDS ANOTHER REDZONE TARGET
Mark Andrews, the Ravens’ tight end, led the team’s receivers with 6 touchdowns, despite only playing 10 games. To support quarterback Lamar Jackson in the redzone, the Ravens recognize the need for another reliable target.
Tony Vozza, a tabloid sports reporter, provides coverage on the Baltimore Ravens.
