Ravens Receiving Corps

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1312857053' post='741843']
Thinking about it, we have such a battle going on at WR...

-A. Boldin
-T. Smith
-T. Doss
-J. Hardy
-B. Jones
-M. Smith
-J. Harper
-L. Williams
-D. Reed

And those are just my realistic candidates. Marcus Smith and Harper have been on this team a while but still have to show they can be the player we'd hoped they'd be. I really can't wait until Thursday, I just hope the QBs give them good opportunities.
[/quote]

I'm just as intrigued about the potential of some of our receivers. I've already mentioned Doss, Reed and Torrey. I consider them the favorites to make the roster. The other 2 spots are a toss up. Smith might make it for special teams value, while Harper and Williams have immense raw talent. Hardy is once again showing that he can't stay healthy.

As for the preseason games, we'll have to hope that Tyrod can buy enough time in the pocket to give the receivers a chance to make a play. I've got a good feeling about Tyrod though I'll think he'll impress.

[berad]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1312857503' post='741856']
Realistically one of those guys has to break through. [b]It's statistically in our favor, right?[/b]
[/quote]

Yes ! Or it could be like picking your poison between and unimpressive Troy Smith and Kyle Boller [i](who was actually playing better)[/i] for the '08 starting job... before they both got injured/sick.

They could turn out to be awful but at least August will be entertaining, right? I'm just counting down the hours, though. The first preseason game seemed so far away when the only NFL news was which hat DeMaurice Smith was wearing that day.

[berad]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1312857611' post='741863']
I wouldn't worry about Joe, I think he's been locked in with these young guys.

Now once Tyrod get into the games, things can get a bit crazy. I'm not sure how the 2nd string oline will hold up, so Tyrod might be using his feet a lot more.
[/quote]

No, my concern wasn't really with Joe. Of course, I hope he plays well but I'm not worried that he won't. I was just more anxious about Taylor and Cantwell, it was not so long ago that Troy Smith and John Beck were putting up stinkers in the pre-season.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1312857503' post='741856']
Realistically one of those guys has to break through. It's statistically in our favor, right?
[/quote]

I look at it this way. None of those guys will probably replace Mason's production.

However with Mason we had a #1 and #1a WR, because Flacco was so comfortable with him, that Mason took balls away from Boldin.

I think Boldin will get those catches back this year. So instead of the 60 he had last year, he'll be closer to the 85-95 ranger. Remember over the first 4 weeks he was on pace for about 90 catches, before Mason started complaining about his touches.

Between the running game and Q getting attention, there will be open areas on the field. If Smith, Reed, Doss, Hardy, Dickson, and Pitta can get to those area, Flacco will get them the ball imo.

Also all of those young guys bring much more play making abilities then Mason or Housh.

I think most people are just worried about the what if. What if Boldin gets hurt, what will we do. I say cross that bridge if we get there.

[PuRock]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1312858142' post='741873']
Between the running game and Q getting attention, there will be open areas on the field. If Smith, Reed, Doss, Hardy, Dickson, and Pitta can get to those area, Flacco will get them the ball imo.

Also all of those young guys bring much more play making abilities then Mason or Housh.

I think most people are just worried about the what if. What if Boldin gets hurt, what will we do. I say cross that bridge if we get there.
[/quote]

Here are my fears in a nutshell:

My man worry is that Q gets too much attention and the young guys have trouble getting separation and/or just producing catches. The O-line will break down and Flacco will have to check down to Rice. This and running the ball is stunted because Cam isn't doing enough with his formations to keep play calls unpredictable.

That's my concern with the way things are set up. Now the young guys can change all of this if they can produce. Like you said, there should be open areas in the field. We just need to buy Flacco enough time so that the youth can get there. And Cam needs to work harder at disguising plays.

Defensively, I think we'll be fine. Especially with Chuck P as the new D Cord.

[fistfullwales]

Whats the word on Hardy recently, does it look like he will get some PT?

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='fiPlease be quiet.llwales' timestamp='1312900267' post='742193']
Whats the word on Hardy recently, does it look like he will get some PT?
[/quote]

He hasn't practiced in a good while due to a hamstring injury. He's likely losing ground in the WR battle.

[CapoRocky]

Q is #1. There will be 1000+ yards in his future this year. I think Reed is due to breakout. He is fast and makes great moves. I wish I had a son as talented as Smith or Doss, then I wouldn't need to work 10 months a year anymore. Pitta is another kid that is due to make his mark. With Dickson injured, he will see a lot of playing time. Don't forget that TE pass that Flacco loves to throw. Heap sealed his fate when he let the ball sail over his head for the INT in the playoffs. I saw Harbaugh put his head down at that point. The battle was lost. The rest of the crew will be fighting for a roster spot. Expect a dogfight in preseason.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1312937472' post='742908']
Q is #1. There will be 1000+ yards in his future this year. I think Reed is due to breakout. He is fast and makes great moves. I wish I had a son as talented as Smith or Doss, then I wouldn't need to work 10 months a year anymore. Pitta is another kid that is due to make his mark. With Dickson injured, he will see a lot of playing time. Don't forget that TE pass that Flacco loves to throw. [b]Heap sealed his fate when he let the ball sail over his head for the INT in the playoffs. I saw Harbaugh put his head down at that point. The battle was lost.[/b] The rest of the crew will be fighting for a roster spot. Expect a dogfight in preseason.
[/quote]



I think you're reading too much into that play. Not only should Joe never have lofted the ball, Heap lost the lateral ability to adjust to a pass like that years ago.

And the battle definitely wasn't lost at that point.

[True]

I really like Ed Dickson's chance of being a major contributor and the best #2 option next to AnQuan Boldin. In his opportunities last season there were quite a few plays that showed he could be a big contributor if given a starter role. I believe with the familiarity of last season (OTAs, mini camps, training camp, and actual games) gave him adequate preparation to have an understanding of how the offense operates.

The offense is all about timing and having a "silent" approach when conducting it on the field and I'd expect the player with most exposure to that will have the best opportunity to step up and fill in as a big part of the offense. The rookies from this year have the least amount of NFL experience and the two other players David Reed & David Pitta didn't get much chance to contribute in the passing game last year. Ed Dickson would then be a reliable option to work with Joe Flacco and fulfill the role of Todd Heap and improving the passing game.

[scrock]

As it is right now I'd say good, Boldin and Rice will help Joe until the rookies can adapt to the pro game..

Plus if the Ravens acquire another veteran receiver through trade or something I'd go fromm GOOD to possible GREAT.

Lee Evans is the name I here about...its probably just a pipe dream though, I think he can be got if Ozzie and those guys call up Buffalo and give them an offer.

[scrock]

an article showing impact of rookie WRs who caught at least 45 balls

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-smith-0810-20110809,0,7942414.story

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1312857981' post='741869']
No, my concern wasn't really with Joe. Of course, I hope he plays well but I'm not worried that he won't. I was just more anxious about Taylor and Cantwell, it was not so long ago that Troy Smith and John Beck were putting up stinkers in the pre-season.
[/quote]

Yea, but Flacco will get a full quarter of work and I don't see Q getting more then one or 2 series of play.

So Smith, Doss and Pitta should see a lot of action with Joe.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='scrock' timestamp='1312942416' post='743020']
an article showing impact of rookie WRs who caught at least 45 balls

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-smith-0810-20110809,0,7942414.story
[/quote]

I liked the breakdown, but 45 just seems like an arbitrary number.

Mike Wallace caught 39 balls his rookie season, but averaged close to 20 yards per catch and caught 6 TDs. Jacoby Ford only caught 25 balls last year, but his receiving contributions were huge for Oakland.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='scrock' timestamp='1312942416' post='743020']
an article showing impact of rookie WRs who caught at least 45 balls

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-smith-0810-20110809,0,7942414.story
[/quote]

I just got finished reading that before I posted here. I was surprised in the fact that at least 3 rookie WRs have had 45 or more catches over the last 3 years.

To be honest, I think the only real issue the Ravens will have with Smith and Doss will be, those 2 guys hitting that proverbial rookie wall at the same time.

I love what the Ravens are doing with Torrey in practice. They are really getting him ready for the season.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1312942870' post='743029']
I liked the breakdown, but 45 just seems like an arbitrary number.

Mike Wallace caught 39 balls his rookie season, but averaged close to 20 yards per catch and caught 6 TDs. Jacoby Ford only caught 25 balls last year, but his receiving contributions were huge for Oakland.
[/quote]

I agree, Smith's impact doesn't have to be measured solely on catches.

But I think the difference between those 2 guys and Torrey Smith will be noticed early.

Those two guys were used strictly for down-field attacks. While Smith will be used in that fashion, he'll also be used all over the field.

So while having a high yards per catch total would be great, I think those 40+ catches are definitely an obtainable feat for Smith.

Now if we get a large catch total and a high YPC, we're looking at something special.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1312943362' post='743038']
I agree, Smith's impact doesn't have to be measured solely on catches.

But I think the difference between those 2 guys and Torrey Smith will be noticed early.

Those two guys were used strictly for down-field attacks. While Smith will be used in that fashion, he'll also be used all over the field.

So while having a high yards per catch total would be great, I think those 40+ catches are definitely an obtainable feat for Smith.

Now if we get a large catch total and a high YPC, we're looking at something special.
[/quote]

I can agree Torey will be used all over the field, but I'm unsure if he'll top 40 catches with all the other established and talented receiving targets. I wouldn't be too surprised if he did it though.

[mgridda]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1312942870' post='743029']
I liked the breakdown, but 45 just seems like an arbitrary number.

Mike Wallace caught 39 balls his rookie season, but averaged close to 20 yards per catch and caught 6 TDs. Jacoby Ford only caught 25 balls last year, but his receiving contributions were huge for Oakland.
[/quote]

Thank you for saying this, and I thought it was especially damning because the article's author (Jamison Hensley) was campaigning non stop (or passing on rumors from agents nonstop to raise their client's contracts and their 10% cuts) about Malcom Floyd coming to Baltimore.

IIRC, Malcom Floyd has never had a 45 catch season in his 7 year career.

[flynismo]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1312945633' post='743072']
I can agree Torey will be used all over the field, but I'm unsure if he'll top 40 catches with all the other established and talented receiving targets. I wouldn't be too surprised if he did it though.
[/quote]

haha, I just noticed your sig! funny stuff

[MagicianCamille]

Average. Boldin will be double-teamed. We have nobody else who is a threat in our receiving corps.

[PWNEDbyDEANO]

At the moment there are too many unknowns about our receivers that you couldn't really argue that they'll do much better than last year. I wouldn't rule it out but it's too soon to start drawing up predictions for catches before we've seen any live action from them.

I think Dickson will be the star that arises this year. The flashes that we saw last year will become a common sight as he creates massive mismatches for defenses. I can see him putting up 8+ TDs if he hits the ground running.

[joey.clark]

I see the ravens doing OK,maybe wildcard,we have alot off speed at the receiving spot.Now we need the timing down,they might click right off.Flacco might need a little time with them,we still have a good run game,to fall back on!

[Radinho84]

our receivers will be good enough as a part of the offense. our offense should be great with a 4th year joe and our running play back to smash mouth running.

joe will get us to the playoffs the 4th time in his 4th season. (did that happen before?)
by then our young receivers should have become productive players and solid enough to create a deep playoff run...

[lowrider]

Unless David Reed steps up I think we are relying on young receivers too much. These receivers especially, considering that they have only been in camp for like 10 days. I don't think we can honestly say that some of these receivers are ready to play the Steelers, one of the best defenses in the league, in a month. I mean I think it can be done but it definitely makes me nervous.

[poedacrow]

[quote name='Radinho84' timestamp='1312976120' post='743228']
our receivers will be good enough as a part of the offense. our offense should be great with a 4th year joe and our running play back to smash mouth running.

joe will get us to the playoffs the 4th time in his 4th season. (did that happen before?)
by then our young receivers should have become productive players and solid enough to create a deep playoff run...
[/quote]

[b]"our receivers will be good enough as a part of the offense."[/b]

I'll second that...I think they'll be better than we think and that some of the 11(!) WR we have will step up and become stars.

[Kwothdaraven]

Mike williams had 67 catches and 11 tds last year.I believe he was a 5th rd pick as well.

If he can do that without having a single veteran wr on his team, and josh freeman throwing him the ball, then I'm sure torrey can do it with boldins help and flaccio throwing to him

[PuRock]

Well notch one guy off the roster

[quote]@1WinningDrive
Baltimore Ravens
Rookie free agent WR Hakeem Moore (Towson) has been waived[/quote]

Such a shame. I had hopes for my fellow Towson Alum. But being UDFA and always injured didn't help his cause.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1312853166' post='741751']
I think this year's WR corps will perform better than last year's group.

On a related note, the TEs deserve a bit more attention. They aren't WRs, but both of them can create mismatches. Dickson embarrassed some defenders last season, and I saw Pitta getting separation too. That should continue this year.
[/quote]


THIS... my thoughts almost exactly. We're a much more diverse group this go around, and thats a good thing. Faster, stronger, more athletic, more hungry, albeit less experienced but much more dangerous.

[CorvusCorax]

It's way too early to tell. We will have to see how well the rookies perform as well as the younger TEs can do. Right now I can only hope for the best.

[xxhighriser]

i say restart the poll when the pre season is over