Wide Receivers

[nyc9192]

He's a player that should have been cut two years ago.  Best case scenario is he winds up on IR, since it seems like Harbs would jump in front of a moving train to save this guy's spot on the roster.

You're right that he should've been cut but I dont want to see any Raven on IR

[Inqui]

Not confident in our WR corps at all. Boldin was the difference maker in the playoffs. Can't see Joe being nearly as effective without him. 

Dennis Pitta and Torrey Smith both made huge plays for Flacco too. Even Ray Rice and Vonta Leach were getting in on it. 2013 is Torrey's year too: book it.

 

I get the feeling we may have to cut two receivers before we make the final roster - maybe more, depending on how deep the FO wants the o-line and d-line - and I'm going to feel bad for whoever gets cut and wish them well wherever they end up (except Pittsburgh, NE or now SF, but that's a given).

 

I think Tommy Streeter has the highest ceiling, but also the highest bust potential. Take out those playoff drops and I like Tandon Doss and think he's got the edge at this stage. Deonte could also be superb, but I think he might be more of a "big plays" guy long-term than a reliable receiver that will make the clutch catch on third down.

[Jalxsu]

I think lots are forgetting about LaQuan Williams.

He impressed a couple of years ago, and I really hope he can step up and contribute this year.

[mgridda]

My only real problem with the people spouting, 'Well obviously the FO is comfy with the guys we have, so let's give 'em a shot!,' is that we were also comfy with Clarence Moore, Travis Taylor, Mark Clayton, Demetrius Williams....I haven't even really scratched the surface on how many guys have come in here that the front office has been comfortable with and yet we as fans sit there game after game facepalming.  Doss?  I dunno.  Hopefully with consecutive starts he can bring it.  Deonte?  Heck I'd be happy if he could become our main #3.  David Reed?!  No.  Guy's a good STer and that's about it and everybody knows it.  All the rest?  Pffft.  I know you, 'can't teach size' but I don't have any real hopes for Streeter at all.  Obviously judgement should be somewhat reserved since he hasn't even stepped foot on the field but there's a reason for that, just like there's a reason these other guys we've had for a couple of years haven't truly seen any significant playing time.  I guess what I'm saying is that I don't have a problem with optimism and we'll see but to me WR is our weak point and having been a Ravens fan from day one, that's ALWAYS been our problem.  I'm so sick and tired of having a weak receiving corps and having to hope beyond hope that Clayton actually holds onto this one, our fresh from free agency cheap stopgap can actually still get it done because they're pretty much over the hill which is why we got them cheap or waiting for our fourth round draft pick to FINALLY turn on the lights before we have to cut him and draft the same exact guy next draft.  Bitter rlh445 is bitter :lol:.

To be fair we didn't give Clarence Moore or Demetrius Williams a shot because we weren't comfy with them. We were always a bad team at giving any more than 2 WRs a chance, and for most of the decade it was Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason, then Derrick Mason and Anquan Boldin, then Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith.

[jdynamite]

Well I've been pumped about Deonte Thompson since last preseason, he just had that impact player feel to him, minded me of how Victor Cruz had that huge preseason couple of years ago, didn't get to play at all that season then he broke out the next 2 years. I'd love to see Thompson have a breakout year.

Streeter has tremendous potential, but I wish he could have had a little more time around Boldin to continue his development.

[UxbridgeRaven]

Honestly I do worry we look a little thin there, but I do think we have paid all that money to Flacco and part of being an elite quaterback is creating your own targets. Make bad receivers look average, make average receivers look good and make good receivers look great.

 

Part of doing that is scheme and hopefully Caldwell will make some tweaks that play to receivers strengths a little more. Cam's offense wasn't exactly friendly to receivers.

 

What makes a truly elite quaterback in a salary cap league is getting it done without having to be surrounded with Falcons level talent. Pitta is a nice target, Torrey is a nice target, Rice is great out of the backfield. After that we are going to have to develop someone. I have faith in Joe and the coaching staff to do that, assuming they can keep him upright and that's what I'm more worried about.

[Ravensfan23]

What about David Reed? I don't really know too much about him.

I think David Reed will be the main slot WR and he'll thrive. It shouldn't surprise that i'm really high on Reed and feel Cam's approach of not playing young guys really hurt Reed. Of course he has had his issues mainly with injuries, not the fumbles everyone hates him for.

Unless it was just lip service by the coaches, both Cam and Harbs really liked Reed's development as a WR and envisioned him contributing more on offense but each time he got hurt.

He's not as dynamic a returner as Jacoby, but he's more of a consistently good returner. That skill set will really be utilized under Caldwell with quicker routes designed to get him the ball quick and run. He's gonna really surprise this year if he stays healthy.

[radicals]

I really would like to see Streeter and the other guys we have develop into greatness. I don't know if I'm just high on Tommy Streeter but I feel like he has so much potential. Look at his height!

[radicals]

What about receivers in next year's draft? I know it's really early, but is anybody looking at some guys we could pick up next year? I'm sure if we end up being weak at wide receiver through out the year, we will definitely focus on it in the draft.

[RavenzAllDay]

Doss will be far better then we expect, give him a shot. He has had very limited playing time, but the guy has solid hands and good route running. Needs to bulk up a bit IMO but is the best option by far. I am also high on Thompson he stood out to me last year and i think he could thrive in the slot

[cobrajet]

I have more faith in Streeter and Thompson than Doss, honestly.

Agree with Thompson, Streeter not so much - too many drops.

[cobrajet]

I think lots are forgetting about LaQuan Williams.

He impressed a couple of years ago, and I really hope he can step up and contribute this year.

Agreed he was my favorite hope this past preseason, but then I got so impressed with Thompson. Hope LaQuan can continue to develop, he seems like a good kid.

[Corvus]

I said it in the draft thread after the Niner stole Patton from us (seriously, 2 1st rd picks in crabtree and jenkins, manningham back healthy, and boldin, where was the need?) but in retrospect its probably best from an evaluation standpoint that Mellete was the only receiver we drafted. Everyone is picking and choosing who their favorite receivers are (I've been guilty of it occassionally as well) when none of us really have a clue what each guy is truly bringing to the table in the NFL. Doss, Williams, Thompson, Reed, and Streeter have combined for something like 20 catches and a touchdown with Doss owning the majority of those stats. The coaches obviously know a bit more watching them in practice, but that is far too small of a sample size for them to even make conclusions with our receivers either. Now with no one but Torrey ahead of them on the depth chart (I think we all agree Jacoby Jones is a return specialist and #3/#4 receiver) we will finally get to see these guys at work and the coaching staff will get a better idea of what we truly have at the position. All of these guys are different in their own right and have their own positives and negatives so it will be fun seeing them all compete for that starting job. At this point, I'd rather not add some cut veteran just so all of these guys have as many chances as possible to prove themselves.

[SizzleXLVII]

I think lots are forgetting about LaQuan Williams.

He impressed a couple of years ago, and I really hope he can step up and contribute this year.

Was gonna bring this up and is a good point. What happened to him? He kind of slipped under the radar but I can't help but think there are high hopes for that kid too.

I was initially pretty bummed out that we didn't get a receiver earlier than the 7th but I'm actually really interested and excited to see who steps it up as we're gonna need two or three of them to do it.

[sergio1979]

My only real problem with the people spouting, 'Well obviously the FO is comfy with the guys we have, so let's give 'em a shot!,' is that we were also comfy with Clarence Moore, Travis Taylor, Mark Clayton, Demetrius Williams....I haven't even really scratched the surface on how many guys have come in here that the front office has been comfortable with and yet we as fans sit there game after game facepalming.  Doss?  I dunno.  Hopefully with consecutive starts he can bring it.  Deonte?  Heck I'd be happy if he could become our main #3.  David Reed?!  No.  Guy's a good STer and that's about it and everybody knows it.  All the rest?  Pffft.  I know you, 'can't teach size' but I don't have any real hopes for Streeter at all.  Obviously judgement should be somewhat reserved since he hasn't even stepped foot on the field but there's a reason for that, just like there's a reason these other guys we've had for a couple of years haven't truly seen any significant playing time.  I guess what I'm saying is that I don't have a problem with optimism and we'll see but to me WR is our weak point and having been a Ravens fan from day one, that's ALWAYS been our problem.  I'm so sick and tired of having a weak receiving corps and having to hope beyond hope that Clayton actually holds onto this one, our fresh from free agency cheap stopgap can actually still get it done because they're pretty much over the hill which is why we got them cheap or waiting for our fourth round draft pick to FINALLY turn on the lights before we have to cut him and draft the same exact guy next draft.  Bitter rlh445 is bitter :lol:.

i totally agree on the topic...

i mean, if a guy is good ... then he's playing on the field and not watching from the sidelines...

i don't really know why some fans CHOOSE TO BELIEVE that everything the front office does is gold and perfect...

i'm damn sure that Ozzie & Co. are right on the money 99% of the time ... that 1% left is the WR position...

 

then again: what's wrong for pulling to have a great wideout?

it seems like we don't even want to have a julio jones or calvin johnson...

 

i say, let's go get one with a trade... i'm pretty sure even danario alexander would be a huuuuuuuuuge improvement over doss and Co.

pretty sure danario would come cheap(a 4th rounder next year or so)

[CapoRocky]

Aaron Mellette Elon College (304 catches for 4,264 yards and 44 touchdowns) will come in to compete in a crowded field for 3rd or 4th receiver.  My only concern is that he played at a small college football program and wasn't tested by higher levels of talent.  His biggest asset is his speed and ability to make good secondary moves.  He has good hands and can catch the ball in traffic.  Mellette can escape press coverage and is able to get up high to catch the ball.

[GrimCoconut]

I think David Reed will be the main slot WR and he'll thrive. It shouldn't surprise that i'm really high on Reed and feel Cam's approach of not playing young guys really hurt Reed. Of course he has had his issues mainly with injuries, not the fumbles everyone hates him for.

Unless it was just lip service by the coaches, both Cam and Harbs really liked Reed's development as a WR and envisioned him contributing more on offense but each time he got hurt.

He's not as dynamic a returner as Jacoby, but he's more of a consistently good returner. That skill set will really be utilized under Caldwell with quicker routes designed to get him the ball quick and run. He's gonna really surprise this year if he stays healthy.

All anyone remembers of David Reed are those fumbles. The fact is he is a talented WR who never got a shot because of Cam's offense. No one player loses a football game ever. It's a shame he has also been constantly injured as well.

I think Reed, Thompson, Streeter, Doss--one or more steps up.

Also, an underrated aspect people neglect is we could have 3TE sets with Pitta & Dickson as WR with KJ blocking or even Furstenburg blocking.

I'm fired up, man!

BTW, I seem to remember everyone riding Doss' jock a couple preseasons ago. Now they are ready to cut him after some bad games& not being used much by Cam.

[radicals]

I said it in the draft thread after the Niner stole Patton from us (seriously, 2 1st rd picks in crabtree and jenkins, manningham back healthy, and boldin, where was the need?)

I'm almost positive Jim thought we wanted him, so they took him so we couldn't. Basically he was trying to get the last laugh, then rubbed it in when said "hello" to Patton.

[CapoRocky]

I think lots are forgetting about LaQuan Williams.

He impressed a couple of years ago, and I really hope he can step up and contribute this year.

I see the receiver roster as follows:  #1 Smith, #2 Jones, #3 Doss, #4 (tie) Williams, Thompson, Mellette, D. Reed, Streeter, etc.  It all depends on how many receivers we want to carry on the 53 man roster this year.  I'm sure there will be some creative moves to stash a player or 2 on IR or hope they make it to the practice squad.  There is always the possibility that we pick up a FA, trade, or pick up someone's cut during camp.

[GrimCoconut]

I'm almost positive Jim thought we wanted him, so they took him so we couldn't. Basically he was trying to get the last laugh, then rubbed it in when said "hello" to Patton.

Honestly, I kinda feel the same way

[berad]

I think it's an overrated problem. I haven't heard Ozzie or DeCosta or Harbs mention anything about a deficiency at the receiver position or that they would be targeting guys. Not in the way they attacked the "middle of the defense" with our first three picks and offensive line depth, after that.

 

They probably feel we have the guys on the team now. But, as they say, they never pass up a good player in FA.

[JEEPercreepermd]

Ozzie knows what he's doing, I think Ozzie picks up a solid WR this summer via FA. Tandon Doss is a training camp stud yet can't produce in games. David Reed has speed..bad hands but has made plays on special teams and could be a strong option as fill in to return kicks.

I just don't see us going into the season with Smith and Jones as 1 and 2 with project players rounding out the rest.. We need a strong slot wr. Under Caldwell we finally started using the middle of the field..and our offense was nearly unstoppable

[Ravenseconbeast]

Unless we have a legitimate young guy that can beat a veteran WR, why give him the job just to 'see how he does'?

Doss is probably more excited about showing off his new tattoos every month then grabbing a ball on field...

Other teams have WR emerge and beat their roster on field. Our receivers has to do the same. Bring in Lloyd and have our guys beat him. If they can't produce then they have to go.

Same goes for our O-line. Bring in B.Mac and have jah reid,harewood or other player by committe actually beat him to the job. Instead of handing out jobs to them and failing miserably.

[Corvus]

I'm almost positive Jim thought we wanted him, so they took him so we couldn't. Basically he was trying to get the last laugh, then rubbed it in when said "hello" to Patton.

I agree 100%, that's why I listed 4 established options at receiver for them. There was no need so that is the only logic. Oh well...still looking forward to this competition.

[rmw10]

People always remember one game.  I know I'm going to get negged for this but bring it on.

 

 

Tandon Doss... Everyone remembers the Indy game.  Did you all forget all of the other times his hands came up big?  He had some huge 3rd down plays this year where his hands saved us.  Are we really going to write him off after one bad game?  Guys all around the league have had their share of bad games.  He was the golden boy in preseason, but one bad game seems to dictate all of your opinions on him.

 

David Reed... Everyone remembers the Seahawks game and his injuries.  The Seahawks game was bad, yes, but that has nothing to do with his receiving ability.  His injuries are a product of misfortune as well.  The guy tore his ACL and broke his thumb, legitimate injuries.  It's not like he's missing practice because his back hurts.  He was never injured in college and has just had bad luck so far.  He looked pretty good against the Bengals, don't write him off.

 

LaQuan Williams... I'll go the opposite direction here.  He doesn't look all that great to me.  Average hands.  Average speed.  Average route running.  I've always thought he was very overrated here but he gets the benefit of the doubt because he's a local product.

 

 

I'm going to venture a guess and say that one of Reed or Doss step up big for us this year.  People remember one bad game and seem to forget all of the good things these guys have done for us in very limited action (Cam Cameron anyone?).  The coaches see these guys in practice everyday.  They know what they have.  We see the very limited opportunities they have in games, and we're in a better position to judge these guys?  I know the WR isn't ideal right now, but if the Ravens truly thought this was as big of an issue as most of you do, they would have made a move.  It's clear that they like the guys they have and that they're better than all of you are giving them credit for.

[jazz1988]

Unless we have a legitimate young guy that can beat a veteran WR, why give him the job just to 'see how he does'?

Doss is probably more excited about showing off his new tattoos every month then grabbing a ball on field...

Other teams have WR emerge and beat their roster on field. Our receivers has to do the same. Bring in Lloyd and have our guys beat him. If they can't produce then they have to go.

Same goes for our O-line. Bring in B.Mac and have jah reid,harewood or other player by committe actually beat him to the job. Instead of handing out jobs to them and failing miserably.

 

I think bringing in Lloyd would not be worth it  and i think its just waste of money.  Torrey Smith is guranteed to be the number one wideout while a veteran like Jacoby Jones(  most view him as solid number # 3 wideout at best) isnt really guranteed to be the number two wideout so why not just have the young guys battle it out  with Jones.

 

I want to see what the young guys have they all have some serious potentials to be solid wideout and honestly I want to see what these guys been learning from their wide receiver coach Jim Hostler. If none of the youngs improve  then maybe  the ravens need to consider brining in a new wide receiver coach.

 

The idea of bringing in B-Mac to compete with other linemen such as Harewood, Reid, Wagner ,Mims and etc is fine

[The Raven]

Aaron Mellette Elon College (304 catches for 4,264 yards and 44 touchdowns) will come in to compete in a crowded field for 3rd or 4th receiver.  My only concern is that he played at a small college football program and wasn't tested by higher levels of talent.  His biggest asset is his speed and ability to make good secondary moves.  He has good hands and can catch the ball in traffic.  Mellette can escape press coverage and is able to get up high to catch the ball.

 

Really? I watched some tape of his and speed is something he doesn't have. His hands are inconsistent; he dropped a few easy catches in the games I watched. I didn't see him against press very often.

[Ravenslifer]

People always remember one game.  I know I'm going to get negged for this but bring it on.

 

 

Tandon Doss... Everyone remembers the Indy game.  Did you all forget all of the other times his hands came up big?  He had some huge 3rd down plays this year where his hands saved us.  Are we really going to write him off after one bad game?  Guys all around the league have had their share of bad games.  He was the golden boy in preseason, but one bad game seems to dictate all of your opinions on him.

 

David Reed... Everyone remembers the Seahawks game and his injuries.  The Seahawks game was bad, yes, but that has nothing to do with his receiving ability.  His injuries are a product of misfortune as well.  The guy tore his ACL and broke his thumb, legitimate injuries.  It's not like he's missing practice because his back hurts.  He was never injured in college and has just had bad luck so far.  He looked pretty good against the Bengals, don't write him off.

 

LaQuan Williams... I'll go the opposite direction here.  He doesn't look all that great to me.  Average hands.  Average speed.  Average route running.  I've always thought he was very overrated here but he gets the benefit of the doubt because he's a local product.

 

 

I'm going to venture a guess and say that one of Reed or Doss step up big for us this year.  People remember one bad game and seem to forget all of the good things these guys have done for us in very limited action (Cam Cameron anyone?).  The coaches see these guys in practice everyday.  They know what they have.  We see the very limited opportunities they have in games, and we're in a better position to judge these guys?  I know the WR isn't ideal right now, but if the Ravens truly thought this was as big of an issue as most of you do, they would have made a move.  It's clear that they like the guys they have and that they're better than all of you are giving them credit for.

 

I agree on Doss, and LaQuan - and as far as LaQuan, yes he is average in every thing he does, which is why I personally really like him - it's hard to find a quality guy as an undrafted free agent.  If he becomes a decent 3rd or 4th receiver, that's better than the majority of guys who are drafted become, and to get him as an undrafted free agent is a total steal.  As far as David Reed, the way I look at the guy is that he is just injury prone for some reason at this level.  Doesn't mean he can't produce, and doesn't mean he won't.  But overall my thoughts on him and the other two are simple - nobody really knows what they could become, and that to me is a major risk.  The first 5 years of his career, I knew Joe had a guy in Mase and/or Q that he could throw it to when he needed a catch to be made, and they would make it.  Torrey and Jacoby are very good at what they do, but reliable hands in the clutch is something they just don't have.  We do have Pitta with his reliable hands, and I'm hoping Doss, who was drafted for his hands, becomes that guy withe the receivers.  But right now it's very uncertain, and that's all my concern is.

[rmw10]

I agree on Doss, and LaQuan - and as far as LaQuan, yes he is average in every thing he does, which is why I personally really like him - it's hard to find a quality guy as an undrafted free agent.  If he becomes a decent 3rd or 4th receiver, that's better than the majority of guys who are drafted become, and to get him as an undrafted free agent is a total steal.  As far as David Reed, the way I look at the guy is that he is just injury prone for some reason at this level.  Doesn't mean he can't produce, and doesn't mean he won't.  But overall my thoughts on him and the other two are simple - nobody really knows what they could become, and that to me is a major risk.  The first 5 years of his career, I knew Joe had a guy in Mase and/or Q that he could throw it to when he needed a catch to be made, and they would make it.  Torrey and Jacoby are very good at what they do, but reliable hands in the clutch is something they just don't have.  We do have Pitta with his reliable hands, and I'm hoping Doss, who was drafted for his hands, becomes that guy withe the receivers.  But right now it's very uncertain, and that's all my concern is.

 

 

Regarding LaQuan, I agree.  I like the guy, but I just don't get the "superstar" appeal that I sense from a lot of people around here.  To be honest, I don't even expect him to be on the roster come week 1.  I think there's a reason that he was given the "IR" trip last year over Deonte and Reed.  It shows that those two guys are more important.

 

Regarding Reed, I disagree.  He's missed a lot of time, but it's mainly because of the ACL.  It's a major injury.  It's still only 2 injuries, 1 just happened to be major and put him out for a year plus.

[SecretAgentMan]

SMH at some people in this thread.

 

Give the young guns a chance(a full season) before writing them off.

 

I want a vet, only because I want Jacoby to move to full time PR duties.