WR Depth

[Cville-Raven]

Just wondering what you guys think about our depth at wideout and what the depth chart should look like next season.

[redrum52]

Let me get the ball rolling. There is no depth. We need more players and are hopefully able to draft dome talent. I really want Floyd. Good hands, tall target and has played in AFC North type weather. He's a big physical wideout. Trade up Ozzie!

[Crabcakes&Football]

Boldin
Smith
Doss/Williams/FA/Rookie
Doss/Williams/Rookie

[Ravenslifer]

Basically we have two guys we can count on in Boldin and Smith, plus the two tight ends. We have a bunch of players that MAY turn into something in Doss, Williams, David Reed if he's still on the team, etc. We have traditionally gotten some of the lowest production from our 3rd and 4th wide receivers of any team in the league. Remember, partly due to injury and partly due to the fact that he just wasn't used a whole lot, our 3rd wide receiver, Lee Evans, caught exactly 4 balls last year. Same with LaQuan Williams. Doss didn't catch a single pass. That is a serious problem that HAS to be addressed in the offseason - if you look at the Superbowl contending teams - Patriots, Giants, Steelers, Green Bay, they all are moving to offensive systems that emphasize 3-5 wide receiver sets and spreading the defense out more. For instance, in the regular season the Giants had 3 receivers on the team that caught 25 passes or more. The Steelers, despite their "run first mentality", had 4 receivers catch 22 balls or more. Note: when I say receivers, I am NOT including their tight ends OR runningbacks - that adds even more pass catchers The league is changing and what we need are guys who can play and get on the field, spread the defense. So the real question is not bodies, but we need guys who can contribute. I expect Doss to play a bigger role. LaQuan should be also given an opportunity, so to me we still need to add at least one more receiver to the roster who can contribute early.

[Cville-Raven]

[quote name='Ravenslifer' timestamp='1331254966' post='1016167']
Basically we have two guys we can count on in Boldin and Smith, plus the two tight ends. We have a bunch of players that MAY turn into something in Doss, Williams, David Reed if he's still on the team, etc. We have traditionally gotten some of the lowest production from our 3rd and 4th wide receivers of any team in the league. Remember, partly due to injury and partly due to the fact that he just wasn't used a whole lot, our 3rd wide receiver, Lee Evans, caught exactly 4 balls last year. Same with LaQuan Williams. Doss didn't catch a single pass. That is a serious problem that HAS to be addressed in the offseason - if you look at the Superbowl contending teams - Patriots, Giants, Steelers, Green Bay, they all are moving to offensive systems that emphasize 3-5 wide receiver sets and spreading the defense out more. For instance, in the regular season the Giants had 3 receivers on the team that caught 25 passes or more. The Steelers, despite their "run first mentality", had 4 receivers catch 22 balls or more. Note: when I say receivers, I am NOT including their tight ends OR runningbacks - that adds even more pass catchers The league is changing and what we need are guys who can play and get on the field, spread the defense. So the real question is not bodies, but we need guys who can contribute. I expect Doss to play a bigger role. LaQuan should be also given an opportunity, so to me we still need to add at least one more receiver to the roster who can contribute early.
[/quote]
I absolutely agree with Laquan.

[Ravenslifer]

[quote name='Cville-Raven' timestamp='1331256384' post='1016182']
I absolutely agree with Laquan.
[/quote]

Yep, I'm a big LaQuan fan - the issue with him though is twofold: one, IMO he's a hybrid between Q and Torrey, not quite as fast as Torrey but faster than Q, but also the same size - we need a bigger receiver to run this Coryell nonsense effectively i.e. like the Chargers do, and two, LaQuan was one of our better kick returners last year. I want Webb to stay as far away from kick return duties as possible, and I think David Reed will be gone - therefore LaQuan may get more looks by default, and that means he's at risk for more injuries. I think LaQuan will be a big contributor next year, but, especially with kick returners, I always worry about players' health and having guys who can step in for them in case they get injured.

[Cville-Raven]

[quote name='Ravenslifer' timestamp='1331256782' post='1016183']

Yep, I'm a big LaQuan fan - the issue with him though is twofold: one, IMO he's a hybrid between Q and Torrey, not quite as fast as Torrey but faster than Q, but also the same size - we need a bigger receiver to run this Coryell nonsense effectively i.e. like the Chargers do, and two, LaQuan was one of our better kick returners last year. I want Webb to stay as far away from kick return duties as possible, and I think David Reed will be gone - therefore LaQuan may get more looks by default, and that means he's at risk for more injuries. I think LaQuan will be a big contributor next year, but, especially with kick returners, I always worry about players' health and having guys who can step in for them in case they get injured.
[/quote]
I personally think Smith will win the #1 spot due to his talent and hopefully will improve upon his raw skills last year. If Evans isnt resigned or a reciver isnt drafted, I have Laquan being the #3 reciever and Doss sitting behind Boldin. I want to see Doss get playing time as much the next guy, but I think Laquan would replace Evan's original better.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Cville-Raven' timestamp='1331256969' post='1016184']
I personally think Smith will win the #1 spot due to his talent and hopefully will improve upon his raw skills last year. If Evans isnt resigned or a reciver isnt drafted, I have Laquan being the #3 reciever and Doss sitting behind Boldin. I want to see Doss get playing time as much the next guy, but I think Laquan would replace Evan's original better.
[/quote]

Whether Torrey is the top WR on the depth chart or second isn't as important as his development as a WR, which should lead to more consistent impact on games.

With Pitta and Dickson being as involved in the passing game as they are, and the presence of Doss and LaQuan, I'd be surprised if the third WR(who wins the position) made a noticeable impact next season.

[Ravenslifer]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1331257669' post='1016190']

Whether Torrey is the top WR on the depth chart or second isn't as important as his development as a WR, which should lead to more consistent impact on games.

With Pitta and Dickson being as involved in the passing game as they are, and the presence of Doss and LaQuan, I'd be surprised if the third WR(who wins the position) made a noticeable impact next season.
[/quote]

Sadly, this is how little I think of Cam's thought process: If the WR we draft is 6'4 or 6'5 and all he can do is run a nice go-route, I guarantee Cam will find a way to get him worked in. I think the only 2 guys we ever had in the Flacco era that were that size were Bennett and James Hardy, both injury casualties. If we actually had a guy who was that size who could A) catch, and B. was healthy, I think Cam would do his best to get him on the field.

[harfordravenfan]

Probably against the wishes of cam and many fans here... I don't think David reed will be cut (unless he stinks it up in otas). He's a great return man "if" he can stop with the fumbling issues.

[Cville-Raven]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1331257669' post='1016190']

With Pitta and Dickson being as involved in the passing game as they are, and the presence of Doss and LaQuan, I'd be surprised if the third WR(who wins the position) made a noticeable impact next season.
[/quote]
I agree with this unfortunately

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Ravenslifer' timestamp='1331257966' post='1016196']
Sadly, this is how little I think of Cam's thought process: If the WR we draft is 6'4 or 6'5 and all he can do is run a nice go-route, I guarantee Cam will find a way to get him worked in. I think the only 2 guys we ever had in the Flacco era that were that size were Bennett and James Hardy, both injury casualties. If we actually had a guy who was that size who could A) catch, and B. was healthy, I think Cam would do his best to get him on the field.
[/quote]

I actually agree. Good thing there are a good number of WR worth drafting either pushing 6'4 or over this year. It all depends on how the scouting department's board looks like and how the draft shakes out.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='harfordravenfan' timestamp='1331258569' post='1016210']
Probably against the wishes of cam and many fans here... I don't think David reed will be cut (unless he stinks it up in otas). He's a great return man "if" he can stop with the fumbling issues.
[/quote]

I don't think Reed will be ready to do anything substantial in OTAs coming off the ACL tear. He could definitely be cut during pre-season next season.

[BMOREHAWAII]

[quote name='Ravenslifer' timestamp='1331254966' post='1016167']
Basically we have two guys we can count on in Boldin and Smith, plus the two tight ends.
[/quote]
We have the receiving core to take us there. They (Pitta,Dickson,T. Smith) just need more time into the scheme. We solidify our O-line giving time for plays to develope, and we can have a deadly receiving core.

[atlravensfan]

I think with our schedule next season we will definately need a 3rd guy who can make plays on the outside. In cams system you kinda need a third guy to stretch the field and we only have one. I think Doss may have a good year next year if given the chance.

[Romo Ravens]

Torrey
Boldin
Michael Floyd
LaQuan
Doss

[BMORElegacy]

[quote name='Ravenslifer' timestamp='1331254966' post='1016167']
Basically we have two guys we can count on in Boldin and Smith, plus the two tight ends. We have a bunch of players that MAY turn into something in Doss, Williams, David Reed if he's still on the team, etc. We have traditionally gotten some of the lowest production from our 3rd and 4th wide receivers of any team in the league. Remember, partly due to injury and partly due to the fact that he just wasn't used a whole lot, our 3rd wide receiver, Lee Evans, caught exactly 4 balls last year. Same with LaQuan Williams. Doss didn't catch a single pass. That is a serious problem that HAS to be addressed in the offseason - if you look at the Superbowl contending teams - Patriots, Giants, Steelers, Green Bay, they all are moving to offensive systems that emphasize 3-5 wide receiver sets and spreading the defense out more. For instance, in the regular season the Giants had 3 receivers on the team that caught 25 passes or more. The Steelers, despite their "run first mentality", had 4 receivers catch 22 balls or more. Note: when I say receivers, I am NOT including their tight ends OR runningbacks - that adds even more pass catchers The league is changing and what we need are guys who can play and get on the field, spread the defense. So the real question is not bodies, but we need guys who can contribute. I expect Doss to play a bigger role. LaQuan should be also given an opportunity, so to me we still need to add at least one more receiver to the roster who can contribute early.
[/quote]
You're implying that Cam is going to change a system that he's been using his entire professional career. You'd have better luck changing the stripes on a zebra.

[redrum52]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' timestamp='1331264305' post='1016296']
Torrey
Boldin
Michael Floyd
LaQuan
Doss
[/quote]

I wish

[BMORElegacy]

If the chips fall the right way and we somehow get Michael Floyd he will very quickly become our number one wideout. Floyd and Smith on the outside with Boldin in the slot. That would be the best case scenario in my book.

[Ravenslifer]

[quote name='BMORElegacy' timestamp='1331265395' post='1016306']
You're implying that Cam is going to change a system that he's been using his entire professional career. You'd have better luck changing the stripes on a zebra.
[/quote]

No, I'm implying he won't change it, he won't change his system to fit his players, so why not get him players that fit his system - i,e, players similar to Vincent Jackson in speed and body type.

[BMORElegacy]

[quote name='Ravenslifer' timestamp='1331269509' post='1016321']

No, I'm implying he won't change it, he won't change his system to fit his players, so why not get him players that fit his system - i,e, players similar to Vincent Jackson in speed and body type.
[/quote]
I'm not mad at you, I just hate Cam and his blatant stubbornness. An OC that's worth anything should be able to adapt to the personnel on the roster. If the last 4 years are any indication, Cam doesn't use 3-4 WR sets and I don't see him changing, even if it makes all the sense in the world. The entire WR corps last season minus Smith and Boldin combined for a staggering 8 receptions. That is utterly ridiculous and is just more damning evidence of Cam's terrible system.

And I agree, we need a true number one WR. I've said it a couple of times but it's worth repeating. If Michael Floyd falls into the 20s I hope Ozzie makes the necessary moves to get him here. He's the big bodied number 1 Flacco has never had.

[JEEPercreepermd]

First of all, i'm glad we let Evans go. For too long the Ravens have been plugging that #3 hole with a mediocre vet..kelly washington, houshmanzadeh,stallworth, evans. Last year Torrey was supposed to be the 3rd wr, but just look at what happened when he got his shot! Even if the rest of his career is mediocre, that catch against the Steelers will forever be part of Ravens history.
Anyway, depth. Laquan looked great when he got on the field, hopefully he can inprove over the summer. Any way you say it, the Ravens desperately need more production out of the #3 spot, and a player who can take the outside in those 3wr sets to move Boldin inside.

[Purple_ICE 81]

Boldin
Torrey
Wayne
Moss
Blackmon
Floyd
Hill

HAHAHAHAHAHa

[Ravenslifer]

[quote name='Purple_ICE 81' timestamp='1331352537' post='1017207']
Boldin
Torrey
Wayne
Moss
Blackmon
Floyd
Hill

HAHAHAHAHAHa
[/quote]

We wouldn't need O-lineman, lol, we could just run a no-huddle shotgun with 7 receivers on the field - 2 6'4" guys, 2 deep threats, 2 physical YAC receivers, and the possession guy in Wayne. Throw in our two tight ends. Somebody would ALWAYS be open.

[Purple_ICE 81]

[quote name='Ravenslifer' timestamp='1331353137' post='1017223']

We wouldn't need O-lineman, lol, we could just run a no-huddle shotgun with 7 receivers on the field - 2 6'4" guys, 2 deep threats, 2 physical YAC receivers, and the possession guy in Wayne. Throw in our two tight ends. Somebody would ALWAYS be open.
[/quote]
Haha it would be like backyard football. The d-linemen would just line up with the DBs and try and cover the receivers lol Flacco would be getting 20 yard rushes non stop too

[Radinho84]

as i said on another topic: cam only needs two wide receivers. we have williams and doss on our team. i don´t think that he would play another guy.

[CapoRocky]

Brandon Lloyd and Reggie Wayne are reasonable alternatives to Doss and Williams.

[Free Agent]

I want to get Doss worked into the offense, so if we dont go after a free agent or draft anyone, than I would be pleased with him as our #3. But I would prefer to go after a guy like Robert Meachem in free agency, or draft a WR to compete for that #3 role. But with Boldin, Torrey, LaQuan, and Doss, I think we have ok depth at WR.

[Radinho84]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1331392011' post='1017470']
Brandon Lloyd and Reggie Wayne are reasonable alternatives to Doss and Williams.
[/quote]
and how do you wanna pay those guys???

[CapoRocky]

Monopoly money??? Hahaha. Let's start with this premise, we can't afford a FA receiver unless it's someone that no one else wants after the draft. If somehow we found the money, then I'd take Wayne (who wants to follow Manning) or Lloyd (who is probably out of our salary range) over 2 unproven rookies (Doss and Williams). The Ravens are cheap and won't sign either of them. For the record, my WR depth chart is Boldin, Smith, (insert someone), Doss, and Williams.