BALTIMORE — There has been a lot of talk about the Baltimore Ravens selecting a wide receiver with the 26th pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. The Ravens have a pretty diverse group of wide receivers on the roster already. Steve Smith Sr. is a veteran that found success last season. Marlon Brown is a big receiver that is likely to flourish in new offensive coordinator Marc Trestman’s scheme. Additionally, Kamar Aiken, Michael Campanaro and Jeremy Butler are in the fold.
The one thing that they do lack is a serious vertical threat. The Ravens are well aware of the fact that rookie receivers are now coming into the league and being productive right away. Assistant general manager Eric DeCosta spoke about this at the Ravens pre-draft press conference.
“It seems like receivers in general have been contributing faster over the last couple years. Last year’s receiver class was outstanding. We want all our guys to contribute right away. Our goal is to bring guys in here that dress and play, and if we’re not doing that, we’re not doing a very good job.” DeCosta continued; “It is a good class. There a lot of different players, and we think we can get a good receiver in a lot of different rounds. Fortunately, there are some really talented guys, and hopefully we can get one.”
It is not mandatory for the Ravens to use their first round pick on a wide receiver. There are quite a few in the later rounds that could contribute. Here are five receivers that are very likely to be there for the Ravens if they were to use their first or second round picks to address the position:
Breshad Perriman WR Central Florida
Perriman is a vertical threat that has received quite a bit of attention after running the 4.25 at his pro day. He is a bigger receiver that will have to work on getting in and out of breaks quicker before he can run routes other than posts or nine routes.
Devin Smith WR Ohio State
Smith tracks the ball very well. He is more than just a vertical threat. He can run every route and can do so from over top of the numbers. Smith is a field stretcher and will open things up underneath.
Jaelen Strong WR Arizona State
Strong is a bigger receiver that would be a power slot option as well as a guy that can play on the outside. He would be a nice option running mid-range in breaking routes and using his body to create separation.
Dorial Green-Beckham WR Oklahoma
The Ravens have said that they did look into off the field situations with Green-Beckham. He is a big receiver that can instantly solve a team’s red zone scoring woes. At 6-5, he will win most jump ball situations and has the quickness to cross a defender’s face and get inside on slant routes.
Phillip Dorsett WR Miami
They say speed kills. Dorsett has plenty to boot. He would be primarily a slot receiver but would be a dangerous vertical threat from that position. Dorsett will gain yards after the catch and can be a reliable option on third downs.
Just missed the cut:
Tyler Lockett Kansas State
Nelson Agholor USC
Stefon Diggs Maryland
Kenny Bell Nebraska
Super Sleeper: Adrian Coxson Stonybrook, Dezmin Lewis Central Arkansas, Tre McBride William & Mary