Rookie Receivers Can Contribute

[Ed_Reed20]

A lot of people want this team to go after top-flight receivers this off-season. With the league rules in place, it doesn't look like the Ravens will be able to make any major moves. If they do add a receiver through FA, I have a feeling it'll be someone like Kevin Walter. Even if Mason is brought back and either Kelley Washington or Clayton is re-signed, the team will obviously have to draft at least on receiver. However, this doesn't mean that the team's receiving corps will be screwed next year.

Looking at 2009's receiver class, there are a ton of contributers. Here are some of the major ones:

Name - receptions - yards- touchdowns

Austin Collie - 60 - 676 - 7
Percy Harvin - 60 - 790 - 6
Jeremy Maclin - 56 - 773 - 4
Michael Crabtree - 48 - 625 - 2
Hakeem Nicks - 47 - 790 - 6
Johnny Knox - 45 - 527 - 5
Kenny Britt - 42 - 701 - 3

Even the position of TE(which the Ravens could definitely address in the first round by drafting Jermaine Gresham) can contribute. Despite playing on a terrible Lions team, top rookie TE Brandon Pettigrew compiled 30 catches for 346 yards and 2 TDs in 12 games.

This isn't to say next year's class will have similar success but other than Percy Harvin, I don't think any of the players I listed are [i]special[/i] and yet they put up respectable totals as rookies. Have faith Ravens fans.

[Perfekt]

the problem isnt if the rookies have talent but if the coachs will be able to use them correctly. we all know cam is a genius LMAO.

[McBurks]

Most of the rookie recievers you have listed were in a pass oriented offense and had a QB that could get them the ball.

[theFRANCHISE]

I'll be honest, though, that draft class was the exception to the rule.

More years than not, rookie receivers have struggled. That said, it's not impossible to find one that can contribute later in the season -- just extremely difficult.

[Jamal]

The problem is the rookie would most likely be the #1 or #2 WR if we don't get a good WR from FA. That is way too much pressure for a rookie.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='19 January 2010 - 02:15 PM' timestamp='1263928545' post='346914']
I'll be honest, though, that draft class was the exception to the rule.

[b]More years than not, rookie receivers have struggled.[/b] That said, it's not impossible to find one that can contribute later in the season -- just extremely difficult.
[/quote]
That's true, but the same could be said about rookie quarterbacks. It seems like it's just getting easier for players in the traditionally difficult positions to make an impact fast.

That said, I'm a bit wary considering the Ravens history.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='19 January 2010 - 02:19 PM' timestamp='1263928740' post='346921']
That's true, but the same could be said about rookie quarterbacks. It seems like it's just getting easier for players in the traditionally difficult positions to make an impact fast.
[/quote]
Part of that is because of the rule changes in favor of the offense, and also a perceived decline in the quality of defensive backs at the college level for the past couple of years. It's all relative.

That said, the trend should change back to what it once was soon enough, once defensive backs adjust to the new NFL rules, and once the talent level at those offensive skill positions takes a nose-dive again like it did in the 2007 draft class.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='19 January 2010 - 02:22 PM' timestamp='1263928964' post='346928']
Part of that is because of the rule changes in favor of the offense, and also a perceived decline in the quality of defensive backs at the college level for the past couple of years. It's all relative.

That said, the trend should change back to what it once was soon enough, [b]once defensive backs adjust to the new NFL rules[/b], and once the talent level at those offensive skill positions takes a nose-dive again like it did in the 2007 draft class.
[/quote]
They need to hurry up. Ninety-six points in a game is just ridiculous; the NFL is turning into the NBA.

In all seriousness, I wonder if that will really happen. Football games have gotten higher and higher scoring and there doesn't seem to be an end in site. I hope you're right though.

Anyways... did anyone else notice our team's reluctance to start rookies lately? Flacco got the start due to an injury and an illness, Webb only got his chance after Washington's injury, and poor Paul Kruger wasn't even active for like half the year. Oher probably would have started, but it's interesting that Willie retired just in time.

It could just be a series of coincidences, but it makes me wonder if the coaches would start a rookie WR.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Simba' date='19 January 2010 - 02:12 PM' timestamp='1263928335' post='346902']
Most of the rookie recievers you have listed were in a pass oriented offense and had a QB that could get them the ball.
[/quote]

I agree with Collie, Harvin and Maclin but the rest didn't necessarily have great QB's throwing them the ball.

I agree with Franchise that this year's receiving class might be the exception but I truly believe next year's class could be just as good.

[quote name='darklight1216' date='19 January 2010 - 02:36 PM' timestamp='1263929772' post='346941']
It could just be a series of coincidences, but it makes me wonder if the coaches would start a rookie WR.
[/quote]

I truly believe they'll have to next year. Unless they bring in some veteran players that can contribute which doesn't seem likely.

[YABOY]

i still think we should bring in a proven wr because we suck at drafting them

[Wacko4Zacko]

What browns WR Mohammad Massoquai? or something lol. I think he is their starting WR...

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Wacko4Zacko' date='19 January 2010 - 03:27 PM' timestamp='1263932871' post='346996']
What browns WR Mohammad Massoquai? or something lol. I think he is their starting WR...
[/quote]

He showed some promise too. The fact that he's their top receiver shows their lack of talent though.